I realize people are going to write in and say that they have these hard lines and everything. But from a social standpoint, it is very difficult to not have a way for other kids to get ahold of your kid. Some form of text is almost vital. It is almost necessary to have any kind of a social life at that age.

Now you could have kids that don’t hang out with other kids or don’t go do things as much or maybe you live in an area where it’s not like this. But in my experience, to be any part of the social construct, your kid needs some form of communication device or other kids just won’t contact him.

With that said, I don’t allow any social media apps or any of that stuff. That still goes for my oldest who is 14.5.

My youngest (3rd grade) is already asking for a phone. I won’t even get her a Gabb watch. She can wait until 6th grade like the other two. It’s a real challenge out there.