Mumsnet Talk

We went through similar to you a few months ago. My daughter ended up with my husband's basic mobile phone which shes uses to phone me if she's gone to a friends after school and the occasionally text. We put £10 credit on in September and she still has credit, but like I say it's very basic. We have promised her a better one later this year, but will do it on a capped contract (I know Tescos do them). None of her friends actually have a Blackberry, touch screens appear popular and that's what she wants. She has her ipod and as we're on BT anytime she can phone her friends anytime she wants. I guess she makes about 4 phone calls a week totalling about 45 mins.

Personally, I think it's best to get something on contract, but if you prefer PAYG tell her you'll pay so much a month and an extra she runs up has to come out of her pocket money.

DD got when when she was 11 as a present for doing really well in an exam. She wanted one so we used the promise of one to get her to revise!

Its not really that flash a phone, cost £80. I know there's cheaper phones but likewise there's much flasher phones. DD's is on PAYG, she hasn't lost it or damaged it and has had it over a year now. She doesn't use BBM, I don't think any of her friends have a Blackberry.

I'd say no.door all the reasons above. It's not I don't trust my kids, I do totally. I don't however trust other kids not to use the technology and the desire to"fit in" not to bully, include in bad stuff, exclude fromother stuff etc

Mine are now 19/17/13 the 19 yr old he's my old iPhone as her first net capable phone at 18. The other 2 have pretty basic phones and an unlimited text giffgaff package.

I have talked about it with ds (having seen a three deal for 2 smartphones on a 24/ month contract that could be capped) and reapply he said don't bother, at the moment he has what he needs and would rather I spent the extra money on an add on for sky to download, so we are triallingthat over Easter.

Ds isn't a loaner-he has mates, he isn't picked on for his phone or excluded-plenty if his mates have iPhones/s3 to o. Dd2 ditto.she even has a mate who doesn't have a mobile.

Oh and I dispute "it's better to get a contract".

It never is! There are lots of brilliant Sim only monthly deals without tie INS.

Caps don't necessarily work (especially if you accidentally use data or are abroad ).you are tied in paying for the duration-2 yrs now usually.there was a recent post here of a last who wanted to end her sons contract as he was being badly behaved etc, not only would he not hand the phone over but she has only the option of paying off the whole 2 yrs ....

Dd's having an iPhone for her birthday this year. I've done research, looked into the options and also researched the bullying/risk aspect. However an iPhone would nt be tht unusual here, ESP amongst younger secondary school children. We have various reasons for an iPhone too over other brands as we se app,e at home too, everything is nn same format and syncs.
We've spoken to dd about safety, etc from each aspect.

Dd has wifi access anyway do not an issue from tht pov.

Back in October did buy daughter a blackberry. have drawn up rules, no gadgets at table. hand over at 10, hour free gadget time for homework, but its a struggle getting these rules to stand fast. mentioned at school during a lesson. cant schools confisicate. its a battle and I am going to win

Another 'no' vote here.. 10 y o daughter has ultra-basic handset as prep for secondary school communicating with us /texting friends but when she's out and about I want her to be aware of her surroundings / crossing the rd safely (urban setting) and when at home, she can use the family pc...

Plus we dont' have spare budget for technology competitiveness and am determined not to be swayed by the 'they-may-feel-left-out' peer / social pressure argument.. - though having siad that she's only 10 adn I'll probably look back on this in a couple of years time and wince....