http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers My son is telling me that most of his friends do have high end phones like iphone/smatrtphone etc.. So he should also be given one otherwise he will be left out of the group. I would like to ask is this the trend ? Do middle schooler really need high end phone...I guess all they need is to be able to make a call in emergencies...Your thoughts/feedback/ advice will be helpful. GreatSchools en-us ad7706 I started a thread with similar issues. My child [12 y/o going into 7th grade] has a sidekick. He got the sidekick after having a very cheap phone for two ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=1#comment_582393 5100.582393 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 07:34:36 -0700 bizshot iPhone can be a good educational tool. Check out Happy Baby for preschoolers.The application features:Toddler Alphabet Learning ToolOptional pronunciation of AlphabetsListed below is the link to download and install through ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=1#comment_568447 5100.568447 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:15:02 -0700 chenderson I'm with maggie on this one. Kids always want. Let them want it. We grew up with a dime in our pocket to call home- and how often did we ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=1#comment_554868 5100.554868 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:03:18 -0700 twilight1234 Yes and no. Yes, because most teenagers are responsible to have a nice phone, but others aren't. I think the iphone is sutiable for me, but I'm not really sure ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=1#comment_530493 5100.530493 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:26:47 -0700 maggie93215 So if all the kids are jumpinf off bridges does that mean he should as wel? remember that old saying? My 10yr old tells me that he wants a phone ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=1#comment_509779 5100.509779 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:27:47 -0700 snichols Mother, when it comes to rearing children most things are left to your personal judgement. There is no hard and fast rules. What works for one parent may not work ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=2#comment_508050 5100.508050 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:15:24 -0700 healthy11 wpsctt1, I know the feeling! (I also haven't tried to get a text message "log" lately, so perhaps T-Mobile can provide it now, and I'm just not aware.) http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=2#comment_508043 5100.508043 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:14:25 -0700 wpsctt1 Thanks for the info. I have friends that are able to get their kid's text messages on their bill (probably it is a different provider). Our son has a text ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=2#comment_507420 5100.507420 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:53:34 -0700 healthy11 wpsctt1, I've got T-mobile, and I'm not aware of any way to see on a billing statement what text messages have been sent. Truthfully, when your kids get older and ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=2#comment_507358 5100.507358 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:25:45 -0700 wpsctt1 We have T-Mobile and I bought my son (going into 7th) the flip phone...I, of course have the free phone they give you when you sign up! My thoughts on ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=2#comment_507341 5100.507341 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:18:24 -0700 mgivensrussell In my opinion, the iPhone, Smartphone, or any other cellular device that does more than make a telephone call, when needed, is far too much for a middle school aged ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=3#comment_506059 5100.506059 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:03:21 -0700 mileys oh yea, the Iphone has Internet, who pays for time, and in my opinion, it is totally unnecessary if you have Internet at home too. Cameras are fun. http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=3#comment_506007 5100.506007 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:51:07 -0700 mileys As a parent and a teacher... They are not a MUST. However, for getting a ride home, or permission to get a ride with someone, yea, I like it. But ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=3#comment_505996 5100.505996 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:48:38 -0700 astoria56 I'm currently in middle school (going into 8th)In six grade, most have cellphones, but not necessarily high-end phones. By seventh, everybody pretty much has a cell phone, and a majority ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=3#comment_505925 5100.505925 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:33:32 -0700 1chiquita once upon a time I was a student and I did not need any of the technologies we have today. I used the school phone or my parents used to ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=3#comment_505858 5100.505858 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:21:10 -0700 zacharysm1483 it really depends how much you trust your kid with the high tech stuff. somee really put it use and have a good reason for having it while others don't ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=4#comment_505687 5100.505687 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:42:15 -0700 4sparky My daughter is 11 entering middle school, and her dad and i are going to purchase an inexpensive phone and a lost cost plain for emergency and security.She is not ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=4#comment_503961 5100.503961 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:07:52 -0700 vashtij1 I believe it up to the individual parents. I'm considering a phone for my daughter just because I need to be able to contact her regarding her after school activities ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=4#comment_503325 5100.503325 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:55 -0700 braniac5 Yeah that's the new trend iphones. Technically your child doesn't need one but it would make them seem as normal as other kids at his or her school. Just imagine ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=4#comment_501810 5100.501810 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:18:48 -0700 Child_Of_Ra My daughter's friends mostly had smartphones by the end of 5th grade if they had a phone at all. Generally, teachers prevent the distraction of phones from being a problem, ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=4#comment_501731 5100.501731 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:54:31 -0700 arju_fatima I think they can have if they r mature enough and r responsible and will listen to whtever the parent says.So..I think they need to have it. http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=5#comment_501144 5100.501144 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:52:43 -0700 jendaigre1 Yes, they are needed for security purposes. http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=5#comment_501125 5100.501125 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:47:49 -0700 bgiteach I think they only need a cell phone for emergencies. Iphones are very expensive and tempting to steal when taken to school, so maybe they should wait until they grow ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=5#comment_498951 5100.498951 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:24:39 -0700 tigercubmom I don't think a middle school student needs a expensive phone like a ipod. I do feel if the child is responsible enough that they could have a cheap cell ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=5#comment_496962 5100.496962 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:12:45 -0700 prentiss2 For melva_gitana2,It is a joy to hear about a success story in youth, regarding your very life. Not very many could achieve what you have without a sound mind and ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=5#comment_496740 5100.496740 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:18:41 -0700 trkdrvrdog48 This sounds more like a con job on good ole' Mom. However, if this is the case, you may be missing a teaching point here. If the group is really ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=6#comment_495793 5100.495793 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:23:44 -0700 Celinamom Our children are going to face bullying issues over and over again. This is a good learning opportunity - teach them that they do not have to follow the crowd. ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=6#comment_495424 5100.495424 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:09:08 -0700 melva_gitana2 I honestly believe that if the child is responsible enough to handle homework and chores that there is nothing wrong with having an iPhone. Signs of responsibility are the key ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=6#comment_495281 5100.495281 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:40:33 -0700 1ltgib I do not feel middle school children need smart phones in middle school. Additionally they have applications that may help students cheat or distract them with games. They can surf ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=6#comment_494965 5100.494965 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:38:59 -0700 prentiss2 The Bullying you speak of is common among children, especially within the average home/family. Since most (not all) children learn that bullying within the home is acceptable, than as a ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=6#comment_494744 5100.494744 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:16:05 -0700 cashmann For those concidering this you might want to know that the $299 iPhone is not available for insurance & replacement is $699. Plus you must get the full unlimited data ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=7#comment_492978 5100.492978 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:27:38 -0700 MAPolaski That's a really good point. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, there is still a lot of bullying going on in schools. http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=7#comment_492101 5100.492101 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:43:18 -0700 cashmann About the only thing I would pay extra for is the tracking option for their phone & 500 minutes a month. let them know if they exceed their minutes their ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=7#comment_491691 5100.491691 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:56:21 -0700 whinniethepooh umm as a kid iphones are cool but they aren't such a huge needy accessory just get him/her a ipod touch or something cell phones are just phones we use ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=7#comment_491123 5100.491123 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:57:01 -0700 Margaret3866 Every family must make this decision based on their own individual circumstances. What can you afford financially? How responsible and mature is the student who thinks they need a phone. ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=7#comment_489984 5100.489984 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:19:31 -0700 prentiss2 Middle Schoolers that have high end technology are those who are big enough to protect it. If your child is not a fighter, trouble maker, nor have strong friends with ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=8#comment_489958 5100.489958 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:17:03 -0700 prentiss2 Middle Schoolers don't essentially need any technology above a basic cell phone and laptop computer. All other technology is a waste of funds and will be a target for those ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=8#comment_489887 5100.489887 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:11:37 -0700 reptileliv Phones are very important to kids of all ages. It is a huge safety issue BUT, you dont need a high end $300 cell phone to call your mom to ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=8#comment_489779 5100.489779 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:02:18 -0700 AmFuzzy Healthy11 and MagnetMom have the right ideas! http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=8#comment_487945 5100.487945 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:17:02 -0700 AmFuzzy I also agree phone should be not allowed in classrooms and should be kept in lockers for kids of ALL ages (High School included). I think it is a decent ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=8#comment_487895 5100.487895 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:14:54 -0700 FiveOfUs Our son who will be entering middle school was just given a phone. It allows us to communicate with him while he is with friends or at the community center. ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=9#comment_486661 5100.486661 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:19:14 -0700 SueSimons Cell phones for middle schoolers? Perhaps if helpful for sports, events, and traveling to/from friends homes and school. But basic phone with text/data/internet disabled and absolutely not a high end ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=9#comment_485615 5100.485615 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:42:07 -0700 trkdrvrdog48 NO they are not necessary. We allow our children to have the phone for emergency calling, not saying that's all they do with it. They have computers also at home ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=9#comment_471946 5100.471946 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:33:29 -0700 MAPolaski Not just no, but heck no!!!! I don't think kids need phones at all until they're in high school. It's a waste of time and money. http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=9#comment_471677 5100.471677 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:25:10 -0700 Malynski I believe iphones for middle schoolers should not be allowed inside the classrooms. Students should surrender the phone to the school security or school officials and they could claim it ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=9#comment_468827 5100.468827 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:21:37 -0700 shenitha I believe kids should have a phone only when needed. My son got put of a great school. Because a phone he felt like he needed it . And later ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=10#comment_468306 5100.468306 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:27:14 -0700 TeacherParent High end seems to have certainly been the trend in our country but things may be changing in the current economy. I've seen young children as well as Middle Schoolers ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=10#comment_466178 5100.466178 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:00:40 -0700 MSMomm My middle school-age son has been asking (bugging, actually) for a cell phone, because "all his friends have them." Yes, many middle schoolers have cell phones. My son won't be ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=10#comment_465447 5100.465447 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700 healthy11 There have been several previous lengthy discussions about kids having cell phones. Here's one: http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/355831/Cell-phones-for-children-a-right-or-a-privilege-We resisted getting our son a cell phone until high school, when he would stay late ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=10#comment_465321 5100.465321 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:53:01 -0700 MagnetMom Hi anon, Middle school kids always want to fit in. They also want to test their limits of what they can get away with. If it weren't the iphone that ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/465262/iphone-for-middle-schoolers?cpage=10#comment_465277 5100.465277 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:33:30 -0700