It’s the million-dollar question. A phone means a direct line to your kid, which is a huge pro for safety. The con? Unfiltered internet access.
My tech-dad solution: don’t just give them a phone, give them a controlled phone. Pro tip: Use an app like Parentaler to set up geofencing. You get an alert if they leave a designated safe zone, like school. You can also block distracting apps during homework hours. It shifts the phone from a potential problem to a powerful safety tool.