This shop has been compensated by#CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine.
Today, was the day. I sent my son off to his first day of third grade with his book bag, supplies and a phone. His school has implemented something new called B.Y.O.T. yes, that stands for Bring Your Own Technology and it supports phones and tablets. Although I’m not in total agreement with the policy, I am now leaning towards the idea that I would like him to be able to get in touch with us in an emergency, especially since he is now old enough to participate in after school activities. Not quite ready to invest in a contractual phone I went back to Walmart for their Family Mobile Unlimited talk text and data/web plan for him.
Purchased the phone for $29.88 on a rollback from $79.88. The plan costs $34.88 a month, down from $39.88. I feel comfortable with a $30 phone in the hands of an 8 year old and he feels cool….I guess.
We are truly in a different time, there was a point where I was against him having a phone but now that he is older and wants to go off with his friends after school I need to be able to get in contact with him and right now this is the best option at his age. Amazing how we have to shift with society even when we don’t want to. He’s gotten the “talk” meaning he knows he better answer when I call or else I will probably start panicking. I am really in my mixed feelings about this because I don’t want him to become a slave to technology so early but we know from experience that being able to get in touch with our loved ones when we want to or when it is absolutely necessary is a source of comfort and this phone gives me that and is nice to my wallet. This is a win for what it’s worth.
5 Comments
Kita
August 4, 2014 at 7:23 pmMy son keeps asking or a phone…..I keep laughing at him. I might get him an updated ipod for Christmas he can text me on that. I am trying not to get him a phone until he is about 10.
Carla
August 4, 2014 at 9:38 pmMy daughter had an iphone just to play games. Now, she’s at the point where she feels she needs a cell phone. I dont think she needs one just yet. We’ll see after a few months, but I’m like you, I think she should spend more time outside and doing kid things but I may not have much of a choice eventually.
Mrs. Delightful
August 6, 2014 at 7:27 amMy son sorta kinda has a phone (he uses one of my phones). I think I may go with a non contract phone in the future though. He has a Ipad mini, so he’s able to keep in contact with his friends.
Danielle
August 11, 2014 at 11:55 pmI’m not sure I’d trust my kids just yet with technology at school without my supervision but they’re younger. With that price point I think I could afford it once we get there. #client
Mimi
August 12, 2014 at 1:16 pmMy thoughts, especially when the documentation said they are not responsible for any damages or keeping items from being stolen.