I Want To Talk About Parenting

The most recent issue I have with my 11 year old daughter is that she is wanting a smartphone, like some of the kids she knows. Personally, I do not understand why they need one at that age. Who do they need to call? If they want to meet up with friends, I can make those arrangements. Some parents say it is good so you can always reach them, but I do not see it as necessary. 20 years ago kids were fine without them. However, I am doubting at what age I should allow her a phone.

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xixgun · M

1) You're absolutely right. She's 11. At 11, I knew my family and my neighbor's dog. If she wants to "talk to friends from school", use the house phone.

2) With the preponderance of pervs, that so many are trying to make us feel guilty for calling pervs, I can see the case for her having an emergency phone.

I would get a $15 flip phone from Verizon (with limited text option) and 300 minutes a month (pre paid). It is an emergency phone, not a "ain't I cool, blah blah blah, I'm talking to my friends during dinner" phone.

Hope that helps.

StrictSingleMother · 41-45, F

@xixgun Thank you so much for your advice. You may be right about the emergency phone and I will think about it.

acpguy · C

@xixgun Great points. I have my own consulting business and have a flip phone. Everyone I do business with, my kids and my wife; I tell them them if they want to deal with me call and speak to me I do not do texts. If I cannot answer their number will be there or they can leave a voice message.
I also tell them they can send emails as I always have my laptop and when away from home I go through emails when I get to my motel at night.
I have had a consulting business since 1997 and have yet to have any problems with this and it has grown to the point I do not want anymore clients.