Wifi only device for kids that otherwise has similar functionality to a smartphone?

[DanHawkPella]

My 5th grader needs a device (keeps using Moms) as many of her friends socialize on Instagram and Snapchat and she also likes gaming on it (and reading via Kindle), but I don't want to pay high monthly cell charges either and get her an actual phone. (I have a Samsung Note III; my wife an Iphone; we use Verizon).

Sounds like the Ipod Touch 6 is an option, with the main drawback being the smaller screen.

There are some LG Tablets with bigger screens, and cheap after rebate, but come with a $10/month charge to the phone bill (they don't allow calling, but do give access to cellular data).

Anyone have recommendations / comments that might be helpful?

Cheers!
DHP

 

[The_Joker13]

Do you have an old phone to give her? If you don't activate its cellular it's just a wifi enabled device. I don't know if tablets have snapchat and the like but if they do iPad mini would be a good option as well.

 

[Tenacious E]

My 5th grader needs a device (keeps using Moms) as many of her friends socialize on Instagram and Snapchat and she also likes gaming on it (and reading via Kindle), but I don't want to pay high monthly cell charges either and get her an actual phone. (I have a Samsung Note III; my wife an Iphone; we use Verizon).

Sounds like the Ipod Touch 6 is an option, with the main drawback being the smaller screen.

There are some LG Tablets with bigger screens, and cheap after rebate, but come with a $10/month charge to the phone bill (they don't allow calling, but do give access to cellular data).

Anyone have recommendations / comments that might be helpful?

Cheers!
DHP

I have a 5th grade boy. We are pondering when it is appropriate to get him a phone although he hasn't asked for one and frankly none of his friends have one. Did not realize 5th graders are already so into Instagram and Snapchat (I'm just old enough so that I vaguely understand what these things are but have never used them). Maybe its a girl thing. But, I don't want him to be left behind but he's a life of the party kind of kid so I'm not too worried. Do 5th grade boys in school do all that stuff already?

 

[MN.HAWK]

My 5th grader needs a device (keeps using Moms) as many of her friends socialize on Instagram and Snapchat and she also likes gaming on it (and reading via Kindle), but I don't want to pay high monthly cell charges either and get her an actual phone. (I have a Samsung Note III; my wife an Iphone; we use Verizon).

Sounds like the Ipod Touch 6 is an option, with the main drawback being the smaller screen.

There are some LG Tablets with bigger screens, and cheap after rebate, but come with a $10/month charge to the phone bill (they don't allow calling, but do give access to cellular data).

Anyone have recommendations / comments that might be helpful?

Cheers!
DHP

I'm not sure about Snapchat but doesn't a kindle have most all of those things available?

 

[DanHawkPella]

My sense is that it's more of a girl thing in 5th grade (socializing and all) so while there are reasons for both sexes to want it I think a girl may feel more left out than a boy would. Just a guess.

 

[2bagger22]

I'd suggest an iPod Touch. Prior to getting a cell phone, my youngest brother lived on his. My parents appreciated it because iMessage allowed communication with him and no cell phone bill.

 

[HerkyHopeful]

I have a 5th grade boy. We are pondering when it is appropriate to get him a phone although he hasn't asked for one and frankly none of his friends have one. Did not realize 5th graders are already so into Instagram and Snapchat (I'm just old enough so that I vaguely understand what these things are but have never used them). Maybe its a girl thing. But, I don't want him to be left behind but he's a life of the party kind of kid so I'm not too worried. Do 5th grade boys in school do all that stuff already?

You need to give your kid some jobs to do.

JC, my grandfather moved away on his own to get a fulltime job when he was 12. Snapchat and instagram? F this 2015 version of America.

 

[MN.HAWK]

You need to give your kid some jobs to do.

JC, my grandfather moved away on his own to get a fulltime job when he was 12. Snapchat and instagram? F this 2015 version of America.

At 12 I was allowed to use the house phone to talk to my friends. Are you saying current technology should be ignored by parents of today?

 

[Funky Bunch]

Save the money. She'll need it for tattoos in a couple years.

 

[KennyPowers_96]

You need to give your kid some jobs to do.

JC, my grandfather moved away on his own to get a fulltime job when he was 12. Snapchat and instagram? F this 2015 version of America.

What a fulfilling childhood he must have had....Are you saying we all should manage children to the tune of 1930's/40's necessity?

 

[BelemNole]

Daughter (10) has an ipod touch. Son (12) has an android tablet. He's more into gaming. She's more into music. Both do the things you're asking about.
Non-apple products are cheaper and will be easy to find come black friday.

 

[Tenacious E]

You need to give your kid some jobs to do.

JC, my grandfather moved away on his own to get a fulltime job when he was 12. Snapchat and instagram? F this 2015 version of America.

Well he turns 11 soon. I think I'll tell him its been a good run and that he's got a year on the clock before he's off to the sweat shop.

 

[The_Joker13]

You need to give your kid some jobs to do.

JC, my grandfather moved away on his own to get a fulltime job when he was 12. Snapchat and instagram? F this 2015 version of America.

LOL

 

[Joes Place]

Do you have an old phone to give her? If you don't activate its cellular it's just a wifi enabled device. I don't know if tablets have snapchat and the like but if they do iPad mini would be a good option as well.

Be aware that I think any cellular device WILL still connect to emergency 9-1-1 regardless of whether it currently has a contract or not....kids LOVE to try out those 'new' things they learn at school!

 

[hansenhawk]

my 4th grader gets by with an ipod touch and an ipad right now. No phone yet, although I do think he is more responsible than his 16 year old brother most of the time.

 

[HerkyHopeful]

At 12 I was allowed to use the house phone to talk to my friends. Are you saying current technology should be ignored by parents of today?

It should if the parents' concern about their kid is him falling behind in his ability to use instagram and snapchat

 

[HerkyHopeful]

What a fulfilling childhood he must have had....Are you saying we all should manage children to the tune of 1930's/40's necessity?

What a huge generalization from my post.

Kids don't need snapchat and instagram - and subsequently the mobile devices that have these apps. They want them. .

 

[MN.HAWK]

It should if the parents' concern about their kid is him falling behind in his ability to use instagram and snapchat

Yeah, cause what he said. So your parents didn't let you use the phone growing up to prove a point about you not communicating with your friends?

 

[KennyPowers_96]

It should if the parents' concern about their kid is him falling behind in his ability to use instagram and snapchat

I'm not sure if you are aware, but technology will be a huge part of their future.

Plus, I'm pretty sure you can teach discipline and work ethic while also allowing kids to keep up with their peers (and not hate you/their social life).

 

[LuckyNed]

What a huge generalization from my post.

Kids don't need snapchat and instagram - and subsequently the mobile devices that have these apps. They want them. .

Don't let those losers sway you in what you decide what is best for your child. Most of those responding to you obviously let their children dictate to them how things go. The "time out" generation has spawned another class of losers.