How does one deal with a child who is younger than average who sees all the "big" kids get cell phones, electronics etc . Do you go by age or grade level?
Possibly go by family values and school policy. I've known children as young as kindergarten with a simple, inexpensive cell phone "for emergency use", such as "missed the bus". This is different than having a phone to display; Some schools disallow cell phones and clarifying language allows students to possess a cell phone but not to display it (cell phone must stay in locker or backpack and not be used during school hours).
Oh yes, our schools have policies! That will guide us for sure.
It's interesting. DD11 really could care less about having a phone and texting. She is happy playing games on the IPod and going to birthday parties. She is comfortable with many kids and has a best best friend. DD10 has always had a harder time with friendship. This texting business has been her connection to people, particularly to those she left behind in 4th. She is also teaching herself coding/creating art on the computer/editing photography and is just fascinated with technology in general so the request for a phone is not all about peer pressure. She was so excited last night because DH talked to her about a phone perhaps for Christmas? Oh boy.
