All his friends have one and he keeps asking. I'm not ready for it but also don't want him to feel left out. What's everyone else doing? I'm thinking maybe a basic phone just for calls and texts but I'm worried about him getting access to other stuff. Any good phone options for kids that actually limit things?
This is the age where I'd probably do it but with guardrails. Not a smartphone yet, maybe one of those basic phones or a tablet with heavy restrictions. Keeps him from feeling left out but you keep actual control over what he's accessing.
I waited until my oldest was 11 and honestly it was better than I expected once I set up the parental controls properly. Started with basic texting access, added apps gradually. The FOMO is real though so I get why he's asking.
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The friends have one argument is tough because it's valid but also it's how they all peer pressure each other. Maybe compromise and say 10th birthday? That gives him something concrete to work toward.
What if you let him use one of yours in supervised settings for a bit first? That way he gets the experience without you fully committing yet. Sometimes that curiosity dies down once the novelty wears off.