Anonymous wrote:My kids have Nokias from Bestbuy for $59.99. They come in all kinds of colors. You can get them unlocked so you don't even have to add them to your plan, just get a T Mobile pay as you go plan.

Not OP but THANK You for posting this. We have literally done this today as its been the first sensible suggestion I've seen on this board regarding simple phones for tweens and I've been reading these threads on the matter for the past 3 years.

Thank you thank you thank you. T mobile has a $3 / month deal for 30 mins text or talk. We only want the phone for emergencies / bus has broken down after school type stuff, so its ideal.

My kids get my old iPhones as I upgrade. Since age 9.

Anonymous wrote:My youngest had an iPhone in fourth grade. He is 17 now. It was literally never an issue. He got a hand me down phone when an older sibling upgraded. It's so easy to control what they can see and do on a smart phone. I would just get whatever you can get a good deal on.

This. I’m a PP and posted about my giving DS my old iPhone when he was 10. I limit screens and video games more than most and really, there were not any issues. He had it for a while on only WiFi then we put him on our data plan. It was more for my peace of mind. He started going to more sleepovers and was out more without us. It was nice knowing he had a way to use it in emergencies to make calls or text if he ever needed it. You can control as much as you want on the phone.

My youngest had an iPhone in fourth grade. He is 17 now. It was literally never an issue. He got a hand me down phone when an older sibling upgraded. It's so easy to control what they can see and do on a smart phone. I would just get whatever you can get a good deal on.

NP here with a question about data. I've seen a number of posts in various threads recommending that parents get a no-data plan for their tweens.
It sounds sensible on a lot of levels but I'm wondering whether that would work for me because my main motivation is because my DD will be a "latchkey kid" for about 1 hour or 2 per day before we get home. She's a responsible kid and we live on a quiet neighborly street where people tend to look after each other, and there are a couple of other middle schoolers on the block. So it's not like she will be crossing major thoroughfares or walking through questionable areas or anything, but my mind will be greatly at ease to be able to use the phone for keeping an eye on her and having her check in with any issues or concerns.
I would use the 'find my iPhone' feature to keep track of where she is and would want her to be able to be 'connected' if a problem arose (like if our wifi was not working or if she can't get inside). Perhaps this could all still be fine if she still has calls and texts? Is there any reason to get data for when she's out and about and might need it for some reason?

Another PP mentioned that a map could be useful on occasion, although normally she'll be just coming to and from the bus stop. Any other considerations?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No phone. Not needed.

Said the cave dweller

Do you know cave dweller has a specific meaning in DC. It’s the old money families.

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look for the Nokia or lg mentioned above. It also looks like I can restrict apps on my iPhone with a passcode so maybe I can turn it into the dumb phone and use that, then get a new one for myself. Mine is a pretty old 6 anyway.

My son has my old iPhone 6. We took it to the Apple store and got the battery replaced for $29. Restrictions are very easy to use and I set up family sharing so I can track his location. I haven’t needed it but like that it’s there.

Anonymous wrote:No phone. Not needed.

Said the cave dweller

Op here. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look for the Nokia or lg mentioned above. It also looks like I can restrict apps on my iPhone with a passcode so maybe I can turn it into the dumb phone and use that, then get a new one for myself. Mine is a pretty old 6 anyway.

Used Apple 6 or SE, love the find your friend feature

My kids have Nokias from Bestbuy for $59.99. They come in all kinds of colors. You can get them unlocked so you don't even have to add them to your plan, just get a T Mobile pay as you go plan.