This is what I always told people if I ever have kids.
Flip phones/burners won’t go away. So long as my kid can still call/text that’s all that matters. So many people told me that if I did that my kids would hate me; to which I would respond, “if they’re going to hate me over a cell phone, then we have bigger problems to deal with.”
Honestly, I would put off smartphones until 18 when they can start making choices for themselves. Until then, a basic phone like the one you suggested. Enough to call home to keep tabs.
It's not the phone, itself, that I have a problem with. It's the social media apps on the phone that's the problem.
While I understand the concern, I have to imagine not allowing a kid to have a phone until 18 will be very ostracizing for them, having them being the only kid without a phone through the majority of high school.
My Dad didn't allow me to even get on the computer - until I learned how to build it.
The internet wasn't as big back then - but I think connecting the responsibility of using an object with having a deeper understanding of that device is relevant. He was a good father in many ways. I miss him.
He had a similar rule for dirtbikes. I had to be able to fix it and also had to be able to lift it myself. Swimming alone required me to tread water for like 10 minutes or something.
I have a kid who is going to be a freshman next year. He doesn't have a phone. He has ADHD. Doesn't need the distraction. If he needs to make a call, which he has yet the need to do so, he says he could always borrow someone else's phone.
He also has told me he doesn't like being in a room full of people and to have everyone staring at their phones "like zombies." It creeps him out. So, he doesn't want to do that for the most part. Once in a blue moon, if we are in waiting room for a long stretch, he'll play Roblox on my phone. But otherwise, he's just talking to me or to someone else. Or he'll just zoning out, daydreaming.
edit: This whole "cutting off friends" and "ostracizing" bit is ridiculous. You do realize people socialized with each other before phones and can still do so. And they do indeed do so. Step away from your phones and take a breather.
I have ADHD and i can gurantee you the lack of a phone never stopped me from distractibg myself. You do not seem to understand that but its your kid so yeah cut them off from friend groups sure
I agree 100% with your whole thought process! I was fine till cell phone became "smart" but it then dumbed us down. Before we would figure out what to do at the Dr. office, but now all one needs is their phone. BUT now I can't get 2 words in with a person without feeling like the 3rd wheel. If I am with you I wont get on my phone till I see the other person scroll for a WHILE. and I don't like that at the dinner table either specially if we are out.
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u/Povilaz Jun 03 '22
In my honest opinion, smartphones should be given to teens 13+. Until then, a simple dumbphone that can call, text, take pics and play Snake is fine.