Reply to Current 8th grader doesn't have a cell phone yet. Is it really necessary for kids to have a cell phone in high school?

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Reply to "Current 8th grader doesn't have a cell phone yet. Is it really necessary for kids to have a cell phone in high school?"

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[quote=Anonymous]I guess they don’t “need” one, but it makes basic high school functionality infinitely easier.

They can contact you if after school plan changes.

They can text you if they need a ride/don’t feel comfortable at a party.

They can join the app to find out info for their sport or activity.

They can contact their friends (we have no landline, so not sure how my kid would do this without a phone).

Etc.

My kid was a marching band section leader, and he communicated with his section by text daily… including info the kids needed to know, recaps, etc. One kid did not have a phone, and while it wasn’t the end the world, it was much more difficult to get info to that kid. So be aware that if you don’t let your HS kid have a phone, they will miss out. Not just on making plans with friends or texting with them, but also on information, date changes, etc about clubs and sports they do. This is 2026, and high schoolers are expected to have phones, right or wrong. That’s how everything is set up.

That said, you can restrict what your kid does on the phone. My kid is 16 and doesn’t use the phone excessively, is barely on social media, phone does not go in his room at night, he knows we can check it anytime, etc. People saying no to phones but yes to iPads— well, that’s kind of hypocritical. Your kid can still access harmful content without the benefit of taking a phone with them in case they need to contact you. [/quote]

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