They have phones that work on wifi, and they use web versions of Group Me and Google Hangouts to text in other situations. Even on wifi, we have limitations for them, but not having a data plan and continuous access helps to curb the compulsion to always be on the phone.

I think smartphones are a good example of parents not always understanding needs vs. wants. Honestly, most of the reason why teens seem to have smartphones is just because it's more convenient for the parents. Which I totally understand. But it's worth asking, at what cost?