Teen has phone but not an iphone

[Anonymous]

To add, DC have always had android. There was a push back in year 1 from them because their friends had iPhones. Fastforward to latr HS and they are so glad to have android. IPhone is not all that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never understand that. I have an android phone and it works just fine in many group chats with iphone people.

No it doesn't

[Anonymous]

Get the poor kid an iPhone. He will be a butt of jokes and left out, if you don’t - seriousky

[Anonymous]

Once you have an android user in a group chat, you cannot add people or change the name. Basically, however you set up the chat is how it’s going to be and you can’t make any changes. At least, that’s what I hear from the teens. I don’t pay that much attention.

Let the kid have an apple phone.

[Anonymous]

It's stupid, but get the kid an iPhone. Being a teenager and trying to fit in is hard enough. If you want to hate on Apple, find different ways. Don't use the kid to make a point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's hilarious how riled up iPhone users get about Android users in their group chats. Meanwhile, as an Android user, *my* experience in group chats with iPhone users is also messed up vs. chats with all Android users. It's getting better in that I can usually see people's reactions to messages, but the iPhone reactions to pictures still come across as text saying "Kate loved image."

I get that there are more iPhone users out there than Android. But don't pretend like your phone is right and mine is wrong! They appear incompatible on both ends, and Apple designed it that way to create the exact weird-ass behavior y'all are exhibiting.

Yes, this is all true. The companies have made it true, and it's obnoxious.

But realistically, OP's kid is not going to get the other 90% of kids at his high school to change to Android. But if he wants to participate fully in the social life, then an iPhone will work better.

It's also weird to give your kid an incredibly expensive gift like a $550 phone without first finding out what they want. If OP was saying "we can only afford a $50 phone" that would be different, but if you're going to spend a fortune on your kid, get them what they want.

[Anonymous]

Google sometimes has deals where you buy one pixel. You get another 50% off so it would be beneficial for families who need phones to use that offer..... That is what our family does because it makes sense

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Google sometimes has deals where you buy one pixel. You get another 50% off so it would be beneficial for families who need phones to use that offer..... That is what our family does because it makes sense

Except that a half price pixel still has this problem, whereas an iphone, which can cost less than the half price pixel won't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Google sometimes has deals where you buy one pixel. You get another 50% off so it would be beneficial for families who need phones to use that offer..... That is what our family does because it makes sense

Except that a half price pixel still has this problem, whereas an iphone, which can cost less than the half price pixel won't.

Again, if Android to iPhone texting does not work like you all are saying then how is this child ever supposed to get in contact with their actual parents? You know the ones paying for the phone plan and likely needing to get a hold of this person as well

[Anonymous]

Where are all the moms that say don’t get your kid a phone??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Google sometimes has deals where you buy one pixel. You get another 50% off so it would be beneficial for families who need phones to use that offer..... That is what our family does because it makes sense

Except that a half price pixel still has this problem, whereas an iphone, which can cost less than the half price pixel won't.

Again, if Android to iPhone texting does not work like you all are saying then how is this child ever supposed to get in contact with their actual parents? You know the ones paying for the phone plan and likely needing to get a hold of this person as well

Texting with a parent one on one is fine. Group chats where teens make plans are different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not switch your kid's phone to iPhone so they fit in with the "right" peers. Step back from getting caught up in your child's social stress, look at it from a larger point of view, and realize how this is not what you need ro take action on.

You are missing the point. Kids aren't left out because friends think that their phone is uncool. They get left out because the group chats don't work correctly and it is beyond the executive functioning of a group of tweens and teens to individually follow up with Larlo to make sure he got all the communications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are all the moms that say don’t get your kid a phone??

Their kids are in elementary school, so they probably don't visit this forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are all the moms that say don’t get your kid a phone??

Their kids are in elementary school, so they probably don't visit this forum.

I don't think ES or MS kids should have phones. I read something interesting recently that said that you shouldn't get a kid a when until you want their childhood to end. I want my ES and MS kids to have a childhood. Honestly, my high school kid as well, but it is hard to be in high school without one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Being a teenager is hard enough. If he wants to trade in his Pixel 8 for an iPhone SE and you guys can afford it, I’d let him do it. Maybe require him to get a summer job to pay for it so he has some responsibility for the decision.

This.