Thinking about getting my 10yo daughter an iPhone 13. She's in a group chat with school friends and keeps feeling left out because everyone else has one. We're thinking of using Screen Time to limit apps and set bedtimes. Is 10 too young? Would a basic flip phone or Android be better? Any tips for keeping her safe?
Man, I get the FOMO pressure. We did an iPhone for our oldest at 11 and set up strict Screen Time limits from day one. Made all the difference between her having access and her having her life consumed by it.
Why did the 10 year old bring a phone to school? Because she wanted to have cell service! But seriously, maybe check if the school has a strict policy first. Saved us a headache knowing the rules upfront.
The group chat thing is real, but 10 might still be a bit early IMO. We went with an older iPhone that only connects to wifi at home for our twins around that age. Kept them connected without the constant access.
I held out until 11 for my daughter and honestly I'm glad. At 10 I think she's still too young to handle it responsibly. The social pressure is real though. Maybe a cheaper option that does texts and calls? Buys you another year.
My take: you can get her a regular smartphone that's not an iPhone and it'll do the same group chat thing. iPhone has the cool factor but that's literally the only difference at her age. Save the upgrade for later when she appreciates it.
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That group chat is going to happen with or without the phone. But an iPhone 13 might be overkill for a 10 year old. We got our oldest a basic phone just for texting and calling, and she didn't feel left out. Saved us like 800 bucks too.
All her friends have one though so peer pressure is real. We caved and got one but put serious restrictions on it. Family Link is your friend here if you go that route.