I imagine that she will be thrilled to be getting an iphone at all if she currently has no phone.

However - I’d ask for her input on phone size. Because if she prefers a bigger size, cost on a 13 plus might be the same.

DD and I both have SE 2nd generation, and will soon upgrade to SE 3rd generation. We love the ability to use it with one hand comfortably.

My sixth grader specifically wanted a mini for the small size. That said, she's the least phone-obsessed middle schooler I know (don't carry it, doesn't really use it, just not that into it.)

Just get a 14 and have her plan to keep it for a long time.