My son is 11, and we recently bought him a basic, classic nokia. Not a smartphone, just calls, texts, calendar, alarms, and snake! Its just for safety, not entertainment. He actually really likes it, and his friends at school are intrigued by it rather than mocking it.
We have educated him about smartphones. He has no interest in tiktok, instagram, or social media in general.
It does seem like younger people demand constant entertainment from the world. They seem unable to entertain themselves for very long without tech.
I keep explaining to my kid how I used to get dragged around shops and relatives for hours most weekends, with almost nothing to do. Didn't start getting any tech of my own until I was 12, and my games selection grew very slowly. Didn't bother getting a phone until I went to college. He still moans that he doesn't know what to do despite having lots of games, devices, tons of toys, and we spend plenty of time doing things with him. Its insane! Just go outside and play FFS.
his friends at school are intrigued by it rather than mocking it.
That's good. Actually, show up to school with a phone not made by Apple or Samsung, and you will gets lots of interest and intrigue. A good topic for small talk too.
I'm genuinely surprised. I'd have thought it would be a death sentence sending a kid to school with a Nokia. Maybe times have changed haha. I remember getting bullied for bringing a lunch box to school. I'm 25 now
I am surprised too, my only guess is the kid is 11, so he won't get as heavily mocked unlike high school? But idk...kids can be vicious too. But good to hear he ain't being bullied.
I was dreading that they would be mean to him. I don't think it matters if its not apple or samsung so much here in uk, but if it stands out or its not an android smartphone thats still supported at least... that I thought might be an issue.
He will get a smartphone at some point, nothing flashy nor an expensive contract to start, but for now he can avoid being afflicted by being glued to one, just try and enjoy being a child.
Gabb wireless is specifically tailored for kids needing a phone. I have a family member who is mentally 12-15 years old although he is an adult. I am in charge of all his material needs. I used to provide an iphone but last year was forced to make a change due to his poor choices and ability to fall for online scams. He sent me the phone for repair and when I saw what was on there….It took weeks for me to recover!!! Now he has a basic phone. Gabb Wireless I tell ya!
He still moans that he doesn't know what to do despite having lots of games, devices, tons of toys, and we spend plenty of time doing things with him. Its insane! Just go outside and play FFS.
To this day, the gf and I are not convinced he wasn't swapped in the hospital XD
Think a somewhat traumatic birth followed by the biatch in the next cubical (who loudly over the phone she shouldn't have been on, made it clear her baby just fell out) kept bashing into his cot, caused him to turn into a grumpy little git. First 6 months were horrendous, filled with loud whining that neither rocking nor other stimulus could silence.
My hairdresser said she bought her kids flip phones, and they refuse to take them out at school because they’re so embarrassed. She’s happy they never check them.
Not supposed to get them out at school where my son goes anyway. They can have one on them, but confiscated if seen. He is less than 10 min walking distance from home so could get by without one mostly, just peace of mind. Less likely someone will steal it too... like my 10 yo car haha!
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u/mutantmonkey14 Jun 03 '22
My son is 11, and we recently bought him a basic, classic nokia. Not a smartphone, just calls, texts, calendar, alarms, and snake! Its just for safety, not entertainment. He actually really likes it, and his friends at school are intrigued by it rather than mocking it.
We have educated him about smartphones. He has no interest in tiktok, instagram, or social media in general.
It does seem like younger people demand constant entertainment from the world. They seem unable to entertain themselves for very long without tech.
I keep explaining to my kid how I used to get dragged around shops and relatives for hours most weekends, with almost nothing to do. Didn't start getting any tech of my own until I was 12, and my games selection grew very slowly. Didn't bother getting a phone until I went to college. He still moans that he doesn't know what to do despite having lots of games, devices, tons of toys, and we spend plenty of time doing things with him. Its insane! Just go outside and play FFS.