All his friends have phones. He says he needs it for school but I'm worried about social media, texting, stuff he shouldn't be looking at. I want to trust him but he's 13 and I remember what I was like at that age. We're looking at getting him a basic phone but I'm torn on whether to get him a real smartphone or not. Any suggestions on parental controls that actually work?
I got my oldest a basic phone at 13 with a limited plan - no social media apps preloaded. We had a whole contract about it. He needed it for school stuff and being able to text me after activities, so it made sense. The key was being intentional about what was on there from day one.
The school excuse is real but also... they don't actually need Instagram for math homework if you know what I mean. Maybe compromise with a basic smartphone and keep the social media stuff off limits for another year or two? My daughter hated me for it but she's fine now.
Sign in to join the conversation.
Just went through this with my 12 year old. My advice: he gets the phone BUT you get the password, you can check it whenever, and you set the parental controls. He's mad about it but honestly the peace of mind is worth the eye rolls.