[kawogi]

So, no flexibility, spontaneity? So far we had:

- "I'd like to stay with a friend after school - they'll drive me home after dinner", "Sure, thanks for the info, have fun"

- "Fire alert, I'm fine but bored"

- "Had to help a friend with an accident, will be home 1h later approx"

- Bus didn't turn up, uses app to improvise an alternative connection

- asking teachers about details from the lessons

- getting a news-feed from school

- looking up the schedule if things change

- manage their calendar and todo-lists

- set an alarm/reminder

So basically "everything" an adult does with their phone to make their lives easier.

After that there's enough brain left to learn that social media is something that needs special attention

[brewdad]

Almost all of that can be done offline. Pen and paper still exist. Example 1 is more difficult without a phone of your own, I was able to use a pay phone back in the day. Everything else you listed can be accomplished offline, on a computer, or by asking to use the school's phone for 1 minute. I mean, if the accident happened at school, the office may very well contact you themselves.

Yes, it can be more convenient but it absolutely isn't necessary.

[max51]

how do you think we lived before the smartphones were mainstream?! None of what you listed was a problem before smartphone. Literally none of it.

source: I'm older than 30, I was there.

[huhkerrf]

The parent comment is almost an advertisement for waiting to give kids a smartphone until they're older. If one truly can't imagine doing any of these without post-2010 technology, then it would be good giving kids a little bit more time building their independence from both parents and smartphones.