Anonymous wrote:An Apple iMessage account that works on an iPod or iPad is the easy solution—it is simply an email address instead of a phone number. This allows the child to text others who have apple devices, but they cannot text an android user. But most seem to have iPhones anyways.

Kids text with adults, not each other. They use apps to communicate and socialize and make plans with each other.

^adding, to OP, they are definitely not using google hangout in middle school. Most aren’t even texting. By the time you figure out how all of them communicate they will be on to something else. It’s fine to shelter your kid from all of this but it really is how they socialize and make plans. It’s the good socializing too.

An Apple iMessage account that works on an iPod or iPad is the easy solution—it is simply an email address instead of a phone number. This allows the child to text others who have apple devices, but they cannot text an android user. But most seem to have iPhones anyways.

Anonymous wrote:Kids without a phone often get left out. Don’t do that to your child. We have a lot of rules around when the phone can be used but not having one makes it so much harder socially.

It’s really this. It’s your house and your rules but the kids aren’t communicating by talk and text. They use a million apps or platforms. You can forbid it and they will be left out of some plans.

Both of mine had a phone since 5th. We restricted when appropriate and it wasn’t an issue to slowly give them more freedom.

Kids without a phone often get left out. Don’t do that to your child. We have a lot of rules around when the phone can be used but not having one makes it so much harder socially.

Home phone.

They can email or borrow a phone and call them. No texting/ video messaging. Too many opportunities for misuse.

Thinking about this for my soon to be middle schooler. I’m thinking Apple Watch for when out and about; can use iPad at home for messenger.

Discord to talk to friends.

Messages with iPad.
Got a very basic flip phone in gr5 for 5 for them to take to practices etc if they needed to call me. Too archaic to use for texting.

Facebook messenger via the iPad

Yes he has had phone since 5th grade. He earned is responsible with it.

Ipad, computer

They use their apple watch

How do they communicate with their friends? My daughter is fine not having a phone but would like to talk/text with friends. She says kids no longer use sites like google hangouts.