DD (age 13) has spent three weeks staying with her father, his new partner and their toddler. They live over 100 miles away. DD recently borrowed a book from her step-mum - and lost it. It was a genuine mistake, and she bought her a card and wrote an apology inside.
When DD arrived at their house, her mobile phone was confiscated. She had no access to the internet and no way to communicate with friends, or watch films/ videos etc. She was allowed to call me from their land line, and did so in tears. I offered to collect her, but she was keen to see her father. She was expected to be in bed by 9pm.
I have mixed feelings about this punishment. For a start, her phone is owned by me, and I pay her contract. I would not confiscate a present that her dad had bought her. Whilst I appreciate that she won't die from lack of access to the internet, her whole life is bound up with snap chatting and messaging friends. She also calls them when she needs advice or feels lonely.
My mum, and several of my friends, have described the confiscation as 'child cruelty'. I don't agree, but I do feel that my DD is very powerless in this situation, and that she is being punished severely for an honest mistake. AIBU?