I mentioned last spring that I was reluctantly considering a smartphone for my oldest (age thirteen), but then read a column by Ross Douthat about resisting the tyranny in our pocket (purse) and did a 180 degree reversal: https://similarworlds.com/2327115-I-Am-A-Strict-Mom/696716-The-other-day-I-mentioned-that-I-was-considering
What I am now considering, and I am told this is available is a flip phone with voice only (no texting, tweeting, etc.).
Tell me about it! My older daughters have smart phones but they need to earn their time on them. It's not carte blanche to use them as they see fit. And trust me there is monitoring software on there I know what they are doing and where they are at all times!
And you can forget about those girls trying to dress like little hussies and calling it "fashion"! We have a simple rule in the house as the girls have a school uniform so during school days they wear the uniform at home as well. On the weekends and holidays they may wear sensible jeans and tops though I think they know I prefer it when they wear a pretty girlish dress or skirt and top. They should look like kids!
An author wrote a new book coming out next Tues Aug 22 about what she calls the iGen kids, those born between 1995 and 2012. About how harmful smartphones have been along with inadequate parenting skills. These kids stay home longer, delay having sex, delay getting their driver's license, and a few other items of delayed growth. She said that 18 yo's act more like 15 yo's, on average. That squares exactly with what I have observed over the past few years. In speaking with or mentoring kids, I have had to down-age the topics of conversation with them. In speaking with the parents, they fail to see that their kids are not prepared for adult life. Woe be to them when in their 20's and they get kicked down and don't know how to handle it. They will just run home to mommy if they're not already there.
@MikeSp This is complicated. "delay having sex, delay getting their driver's license" are good things. Lack of maturity can be an issue, though.
I have seen it suggested that "assortive mating" may be leading to greater social disorders. Not sure if that is the case, but it could be. We are probably getting greater exposure to their attitudes via the internet.
damn i was planing that. my parent gave me what i needed <hen the time came. nop make up for my child before 12 no ear(rings only after 12 a phone at 14 thats all you need
