I gave my 8-year-old a landline. It has parental controls, but gives him the freedom he craved.

The author's son (not pictured) had been asking for a phone for years.

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• I didn't want to give my 8-year-old a smartphone yet, but he had been asking for one nonstop.
• A screen-free phone gave him freedom without social media.
• It taught him the value of responsibility, as well as the importance of independence.

For years, my 8-year-old son has been asking for a phone. I'm sure he likes the idea of being social and playing games, but he also loves talking.