What apps is your Y6 child allowed to have?

[crosspelican]

We're thinking about allowing 11yo dd to have a phone, because a lot of the kids in her class do to and she is desperate for one. We hadn't meant to do this til secondary, but equally, they're on OUR devices in the evenings, so in many ways, this ship has sailed!

But what apps do you allow your kids to have? Do they have normal SIM cards for calling out (do kids even speak on the phone?) and what apps cause the most trouble?

DD isn't hugely socially alert and although her class is generally very nice, with no bullying, there is some Queen Bee behaviour (not from dd, who wouldn't know where to start!).

The secondary school she is going to has a very strict phone policy (some girls board) and WhatsApp is banned (the ban is enforced).

[PhilODox]

Mine isn't allowed any because no phone until secondary, and then it will be a dumb phone not a smart phone. This is fairly common at the secondary he will attend (sibling is already there).
The amount of upset SM causes in children between 9-14 is ridiculous, seriously!

[sawyersfishbiscuits]

Following as in a similar situation.
DD has one of our old iPhones which only we know the password to 😁😁... this helps to limit use but unfortunately seems to make her more annoyed and wanting it more.

It doesn't have a SIM card yet. She's in Y6 and lots of the others have a fully functioning smartphone and make calls etc.

DD has Roblox but it's strictly monitored and she only had a couple of friends on it from school. It still worries me though.

I'd love to know the best way to give her a little bit of freedom in the safest possible way.

[crosspelican]

This is fairly common at the secondary he will attend - that is very helpful. So long as they don't feel like they stick out like a sore thumb, it's easier to stick to your guns about these things.

I guess I'm quite sensitive about it because my parents NEVER got me the "cool" thing. "Why would you want XYZ just because everybody else has it? Be an individual. XYZ thing isn't as important as your homework." Not hugely helpful at 12 and they were unbending about it until I was 16 or so.

[straighthairdontcare]

I went on a childhood gambling course before Christmas and on the course it was advised not to wait until they go to secondary before getting a phone, get it early and give a chance for the novelty to wear off before the meet up with a lot of new (and older students) who may encourage them to misuse. This also allows you to put restrictions in place before they meet the inevitable person who has no boundaries and is allowed everything. "Why can't you be like.... parents?"

My year 5 has a phone and we have had no issues with social media ... so far!