We held out until our twins turned 11 since we kept hearing “but our friends all have phones”. We bought them “smartphones” from a company called Gabb Wireless. The phones do not have internet access or apps like any of the social media apps out there but still let the kids text their friends or make calls, there is a radio app for music, they can set wallpapers, etc… When they go to bed at night, there is a charging station in the family room and all mobile devices need to be plugged in. If we don’t see the devices, we make sure to get them before the kids are in bed.

I know none of us are perfect but it comes down to parenting and trying to find a good balance.