My kid's first phone situation

K

3w ago1 min read

My 12 year old is asking for a phone. All his friends have one apparently. I'm not against it but I'm nervous about what he'll see, who he'll talk to, social media pressure, all of it. Thinking about getting him one but with serious restrictions using some parental control app. Any recommendations on best apps for monitoring without being totally invasive? Also what age did you guys give your kids phones and how'd that go?

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3 comments131 views

Comments(3)

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IIsaiah T.New Dad3w ago

This is the hardest digital parenting call in my opinion. I'd say set clear expectations upfront about what apps are okay, check in regularly, and make sure he knows he can talk to you about anything he sees.

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NNathan R.New Dad3w ago

That nervousness is totally valid. I set up some boundaries with mine like parental controls and making sure she knew to come to me with anything weird. Knowledge is power in this situation.

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EEdNew Dad3w ago

Tough age for this stuff. The phone's going to happen eventually but your concerns are real. Maybe start with limited access and see how he handles the responsibility?

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