Hmm, saw this conversation:
The 10yo does have a lot of extra-curricular activities so having a cellphone would be a big help (to know where they are and give them an option to contact us if anything happens). But there’s just no way I’m giving them a smartphone anytime soon.
One option you might consider is a cellular Apple Watch.
I’m a fan of old tech, and I think it’s actually much better to have an old iPhone (the one with button) vs the new one (the one with Face ID) for a kid, or teenagers. That’s the device that can keep you in touch, but it’s not overpowered to succumb a person into mindless scrolling. Basically because all these services are abominations these days, and won’t work well.
But the Apple Watch idea is not bad, I actually like it.
Context: a comment to Why Are There So Many ‘Alternative Devices’ All of a Sudden?