Anonymous wrote:9 or 10 years ago I tried this strategy, my 6th grader was starting to do evening activities and I wanted a way to be in touch that wasn’t a smartphone. But in her world this thing I got her wasn’t a “ real phone” and always forgot to keep it charged so it didn’t work out for us. Once she fit a smartphone if course she was highly motivated to keep it charged and useful.

This is how I think it would play out for my 12 year old if we got her a flip phone.

Thanks dcum for mostly not answering the question, but giving advice that no one asked for. Why would you ask your kids what they want re technology. You are the parent. Here is what for all those who asked: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/12/1187130983/smartphone-tween-safe-alternatives?utm_term=nprnews&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR2Vz3sLRUUbWgO7_2pxWc7kneXv5T6LznwptTavSDvS3JFC8jQ3VgFpEbw_aem_AX3bSkNMIl_qf_ADAtEmuzNqkqzf67w80St2NhbOqK6eGKIIH-tM-pzauZhQ6r8lQGI&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

I just asked my 10 yo if he wants a flip phone.

His answer: Why???

Just get an Apple Watch instead.

Our kids had flip phones for a while at age 12. One problem with them is that a lot of them have small video screens with no way to lock them down (because target market is the elderly). I think an apple watch is a better option. Or a Gabb phone

Anonymous wrote:What is the advantage of a flip
phone over a locked down smart phone?

It seems really performative, and hard on the kid.

The advantage is you only think the phone is locked down.

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t do this to your kid.

It’s better than giving them a smartphone.

OP, look into Gabb or Bark or other phones that are safe for kids.

9 or 10 years ago I tried this strategy, my 6th grader was starting to do evening activities and I wanted a way to be in touch that wasn’t a smartphone. But in her world this thing I got her wasn’t a “ real phone” and always forgot to keep it charged so it didn’t work out for us. Once she fit a smartphone if course she was highly motivated to keep it charged and useful.

I offered one to my then 12 yr old and he said no thanks. The ridicule isn’t worth it.

Please don’t do this to your kid.

What is the advantage of a flip
phone over a locked down smart phone?

It seems really performative, and hard on the kid.

Do they still cell those?

Your mobile carrier isn't likely to have many flip phone options. I got one for my kid when they started staying home alone (we have no landline). Once they started going places by themselves regularly I switched to my old iPhone so I could see them on find my phone/they could use the metro apps/etc. It's pretty easy to lock down apps etc if that's your worry with the smart phone.

Flip phones are also unbelievably annoying on both the receiving and delivery end for group texts, which many kids use to communicate.

But if you must flip phone for whatever reasons, IME your cell phone store will only have one to offer so you don't need to overthink it.

No tween or teen would ever be seen in public with one of them.

Following.

If it has lasted and worked fairly well, can you post what they have? Thanks.