You may be just as shocked as I am but flip-phone parenting is a trend to watch in 2019!
Now…the chances of this actually sticking around are slim but you have to admit, it makes sense.
How do I feel about this trend?
I can totally understand this flip phone trend. A lot of parents are skeptical about kids having smart phones. Myself included. They can be scary, intimidating and expensive! Some just don’t want their kids sucked into the world of smartphones and unnecessary information just yet. And there is nothing wrong with that. A flip phone provides that safety net. Convenience but without the internet and social media fear = embracing the simple life. And best of all, the screens rarely crack and the battery last for a few days! Perfect for tweens!
How do I feel about smartphones?
My daughter is almost 9 and like many kids her age, she too has a smart phone.
Is she old enough to have one? NO.
Is she socially responsible to take care of one? NO.
Does she have the latest and the greatest model. Definitely NO!
Am I happy that she has one, yes and no.
But why did we get her one?
First of all, we didn’t get her a new phone. She has an old hand-me-down but nevertheless it’s a smart phone.
Furthermore, we are approaching the age where she has drop off play dates and we need to be able to get in touch with her. Sure we can contact the parents when she is there but having her own phone is definitely more convenient. Plus she is already on her tablet playing games and watching videos so having 2 in 1, saves time and money.
Finally, everything in moderation. We monitor her activities on regular basis. She has minimal/ private social media access and does not communicate with anyone other than family for now. As she progresses and shows us maturity and responsibility, we will increase her network and social media privileges. But if she breaks this trust you better believe she will wish she had a flip phone!
x, Dijana
I can see the appeal of doing a flip phone for a kid!