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This post is sponsored by Pantech. As always, all opinions and ideas are my own!
Michael received his first cell phone when he was 10 years old.
It wasn’t a necessity, like it is for most kids that age. He wasn’t walking home or staying by himself at home after school. He wanted one more than we had ever seen him want something, and we decided that it was good for our family for different reasons: he could text and message with family across the country, we could start teaching him early how to be digitally responsible, and we could connect with him on a different level. Little did I know that giving him a cell phone would be such a good decision for our family. He did connect with family members, he is learning (slowly) how to be digitally responsible, and it’s fun to text with him while he’s riding the bus or at lunch during school.
Jack will be 10 years old in a few days, and while Michael was mature enough to own a cell phone at 10, Jack isn’t quite there yet. We allowed him to install iMessage on his iPad and he sent 40 or so messages to Michael and several other family members within 30 minutes.
We have, however, started talking about what kind of phone we would get for Jack when the time comes. Michael’s first phone was the Pantech Jest. We loved the simplicity of it, and that it was easy to navigate. Easy for Michael, but more importantly, easy for me. I want to be able to check his phone every night without becoming frustrated.
When Pantech reached out and told me about a new phone they have, the Pantech Vybe, I jumped at the chance to tell you about it. The Pantech Vybe is a durable and easy to use phone for kids, and I highly recommend it as your tween’s first phone.
Purchasing your tween’s first phone is a big deal. You want something that can withstand their backpack and a few accidental drops. Something they can easily use, because what good is a phone that they can’t call or text on? And as I mentioned before, you’ll want something that you can easily navigate. A frustrated parent won’t check a cell phone if it’s too difficult.
Enter the Pantech Vybe.
It’s affordable and easy to use. It’s made to take a few drops and a live in a messy backpack. Sold exclusively at AT&T, you can add it to your monthly rate plan without breaking the bank.
- Slide-out keyboard
- Large touchscreen display
- Quick camera button on the side of the phone
The coolest feature of the new Pantech Vybe? In my opinion, it’s the Dual User Mode, which allows parents to easily access the features/areas they look at most. You can switch back and forth from full mode to easy mode so if your child wants to customize their screen, they can do so.
When it’s time for your tween to get a cell phone, it’s important to give them your expectations. We did this by using a parent/child contract. I have one especially for my teen with a smartphone, and I recently made another one for tweens–perfect for those with new phones. You can download the tween cell phone contract here. Here’s what the contract looks like, but don’t print directly from here. In order for it to be formatted correctly, download the tween cell phone contract here.
If all of these rules aren’t applicable to your tween, that’s ok–pull the ideas that you like and make up some for your home!
Pantech Vybe Giveaway
Pantech has generously given me a Pantech Vybe to give to one of you! To enter:
Mandatory: Leave me a comment on this post saying what rule would be a non-negotiable in your cell phone contract with your child.
Optional: For an additional entry, “like” My Crazy Good Life on Facebook, then leave me a comment telling me that you did (or already do!)
Optional: For an additional entry, “like” Pantech on Facebook, then leave me a comment telling me that you did (or already do!)
Optional: Follow me on Pinterest for the latest information about tweens & technology, parenting tweens and teens, and more! Leave me a comment telling me that you did.
Note: You’ll need to leave a separate comment for each entry. The program I use to choose a winner counts comments, so make sure each entry of yours is a separate comment!
This giveaway ends August 14th at midnight. I’ll contact a winner on August 15th. Good luck!
This post is sponsored by Pantech, who is sending a Vybe phone to one giveaway winner.
My non-negotiable rule would be no texting and driving! For that matter the phone should be turned off while driving!
New like on Facebook!
I follow you on Pinterest!
I “liked” Pantech on Facebook!
I would not allow my child to text or talk on the phone while driving at all….that is a non-negotiable.
I think all of those rules are great especially the ones about taking pictures of others only if they give you persmission and not to text anything you wouldn’t want your family to see.
Non-negotiable rule would be NO buying games/coins/etc. for in-app purchases for games!
I like you on facebook as Emily Wells.
I like Pantech on facebook as Emily Wells.
I follow you on Pinterest as ewells1014.
I like My Crazy Good Life on Facebook.
I like Pantech on Facebook.
I follow My Crazy Good Life on Pinterest. (mnd2012)
No texting and driving!!!
Liked My Crazy Good Life on Facebook as Austin Baroudi.
Liked Pantech on Facebook as Austin Baroudi.
Following you on Pinterest as Austin Baroudi.
All of them are solidly good rules. I think that I emphasize #2….not to talk to or text anyone that they don’t know. Safety is of the utmost importance.
I am following on pinterest as wlburro
My rule would be no PewDiPie – he makes youtube videos with an extra helping of shouting and cursing :)