Reply to Rising 7th grade daughter begging for an IPhone- WWYD?

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[quote=Anonymous]We got our kid a slide phone (basic plan with texting, some phone minutes and no data) in 6th grade.

It has been a great tool in building responsibility and gradually increasing independence to step him up to middle school and later the increase freedom in high school.

It has also been very handy for times that we were stuck in traffic on the way to pick him up from activities, checking in when he is hiking in the woods/playing with neighborhood friends, and being offered food at a friend's house (he has severe nut allergies).

One example of how the phone is helpful to our kid gaining independence and responsibility occurred when he was at a birthday sleepover.

The host and other kids started playing a video game that we do not allow in our house.  Rather than embarrass himself by saying his mommy didn't allow the game, or sneaking the game against our rules, my kid brought his phone into the bathroom and texted me the game, and asked what he should do.  Another time, he was at a new friend's house and he did not feel comfortable, so he did the same thing asking me to come pick him up.

Both of those events, and the allergy thing, reassured me that giving my 10-11 year old a basis phone/text access was a very good parenting decision.  I am a very attentive, somewhat strict parent, and in spite of this I really see the value of a non-smart phone for a 5th-8th grader. Those two events make me very hopeful for the high school years where the temptations and risks are far greater than what to do when his friends pop in an "M" video game.

Even if you know where your kid is at all times, they can still run into situations and peer pressure where having discreet and quick access to their parents is a very good thing.[/quote]

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