In 2019 we received the phone call every parent dreads. Our child’s school was on lockdown. There was an active shooter at one of the nearby schools and the shooter had fled the scene. We later found out the lives of multiple students and staff were lost that day. This day changed our lives forever. And even though the possibility of this happening was always on our mind, having it happen near the girl’s school made that fear a lot more real. After this incident we decided it was time to start thinking about getting the kids cell phones. And after a couple of years we did just that and I do not regret making that choice  one bit. Here are some of the reasons why we’re glad we got our kids phones.

Easy Communication With my Tween

Having their own cell phones has made pick up and drop off so easy! Both my husband and I work, and the kids all have different after school activities to tend to. Having their own phones allows us to easily communicate with them in case there’s a change of plans or emergency. This comes especially handy when meetings run a little longer than expected, or rainy day pick up plans. 

Location Sharing With My Kids

One of my favorite things of our tweens having phones is location sharing. I can see my children’s location at all times. I love this because they’re getting older and are starting to become more independent. They’re starting to ride their bikes to the corner store, the park, and even venture out to walk our dog. I want them to be independent, but also want to make sure they’re safe. So these features add peace of mind when they leave the house without me.

Helps Me Create Structure & Discipline 

I know, you’re probably wondering how the heck is your kid having a phone as a form of discipline. Well, I guess it isn’t. But it gives me leverage! My kids have to earn their phone. Having phones is not a right, it’s a privilege and if they want to keep their phones they have to meet some basic standards. We expect them to keep their grades at a  “B” average. They also have to participate in a sport and an extracurricular activity at school. In addition to this, behave like a kind and respectful human being (as much as can be realistically expected from a tween 🥲.) And keep up with their chores at home. If they don’t meet these standards we can either limit usage, block access to certain apps, or take their phone away completely for whatever amount of time.

How do we manage our kids’ phone usage?

We have been managing our kids phone usage since day one. We use an app called Family Link which allows us to fully control our kids’ cell phones. Through this app we are able to set up parental controls like screen time limits, schedule, and block access to certain websites, or apps based on search terms. We’re also able to see what apps they’re spending the most time on.  It’s really helpful!  We have our kids phones set to 30 minute daily limits starting at 6:00am and shutting down at 8:00pm. We also have special hours set so they’re not able to use the device at all during school hours with the exception of emergency calls to me or their father. This app has made introducing cell phones to our kids a lot less stressful. 

How do you feel about snooping on your kids’ messages?

Yes, why wouldn’t I snoop? They’re still kids and it is our job as parents to make sure they are safe and happy. Every now and then I pop into their phones to check messages just to make sure they’re doing okay and friendships are healthy and kind. However I do this on her physical phone not through the app, not sure if that is an option, but I openly look through their phones and make sure they know it. 

How do you feel about kids being on social media?

Nope, hell no! Mine are still way too young! My oldest is only 12 years old and we’re not ready. They might start an animation YouTube channel, but that’s it. The internet can be an awful place, especially for young teens who are still learning to love themselves. So I will try my best to keep them off social media for as long as I can. 

 If you want to learn more about the Family Link app or have any questions, please feel free to email or comment below and I will happily answer. 

Thanks for reading!