Kid just turned 11 and basically everyone at school has one. He keeps saying he's the only one without and I'm not sure if that's true or just 11yo drama. Main concern is screen time spiraling out of control and him getting on weird stuff online. What's everyone doing here? Any good age guidelines or should I just buy one with heavy restrictions?
I get it, that FOMO is real for them. But you're the parent here - you set the boundary. My kid asked the same thing at 10 and I said absolutely not. Now at 13 we have strict rules about it. Don't let 'everyone else' make your parenting decisions for you.
I waited until my oldest was 13 and set up some ground rules first. Phone stays in the kitchen after 8pm, limited social media apps, that kind of thing. Made the transition way smoother than if I'd just handed it over.
My kid begged for one at 11 too. I got him a basic one that could text and call but nothing fancy. Took the pressure off a bit without going full smartphone yet.
At 11, mine were all saying the same thing. I held out until 12 and honestly it wasn't as big a deal as they made it sound. The "everyone has one" thing is definitely exaggerated at that age.
If you do get him one, put serious boundaries on it day one. I waited until 12 with my oldest and it's still been a thing to manage. Might as well set expectations early.
The 'everyone has one' argument is tough but honestly 11 feels young to me. We held out until 12 and by then the peer pressure thing had settled down a bit. Maybe compromise with a basic phone just for calling/texting? Not a full smartphone with all the apps yet.
This is the hardest one. My newborn won't care about phones for years and I'm already dreading this conversation down the road. What did you end up deciding?
Eleven is still so young. I'd honestly wait another year or two. We can't protect them from everything but we can at least slow down the screen addiction train a little bit, you know?
Eleven is that weird age. I'd say wait another year or two if you can stand it. My son got his at 13 and I wish I'd held out longer. The social pressure is real but it doesn't actually get better with a phone.
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Everyone at school has one is the classic line. I've got a 12 year old making the same argument. My take is if he really needs it for safety then maybe a basic phone, but a smartphone? Hard no from me.
The 'everyone has one' argument is strong but honestly you're the parent. I held out until 12 and my kid survived. Weird how that works.