Post AvVhe0dkFXMukheaeG by syntaxseed@phpc.social
 (DIR) More posts by syntaxseed@phpc.social
 (DIR) Post #AvVhdznHObOw7z6gs4 by syntaxseed@phpc.social
       2025-06-25T21:59:48Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       This is depressing. Trying to set up wifi/data only cheap phones we bought for the kids for a few situations where we want them to be able to reach us. I figured we wouldn't need a cellphone plan because with data only they could just use a chat app. Been at this for ages & hit nothing but roadblocks. Can't use #Signal  without a cellphone number. Can't verify a #Discord account without a phone number. Kids #Messenger keeps logging the kids out & needs parent password.WTF#parenting
       
 (DIR) Post #AvVhe0dkFXMukheaeG by syntaxseed@phpc.social
       2025-06-25T22:03:53Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       I don't want to use YET another #messaging app for our immediate family only. We really only use Signal, Discord & FB Messenger in a limited capacity. I don't want to get cellphone numbers for them yet. And I can't find a data+wifi only way for them to "call" us.I can't even use Google Chat because Google won't let me add an account managed by Family Link onto a device that has another Google account on it. Screw this whole industry. 🤬#parenting
       
 (DIR) Post #AvVhe1MlY9Nh0KiXp2 by syntaxseed@phpc.social
       2025-06-26T03:23:14Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       - Don't give your kids cellphones too young.- Don't be a helicopter parent.Please tell me how I give my kids age-appropriate freedom & responsibilities when there just aren't public phones if they have an emergency??At #baseball most parents drop their kids off at practise & leave. Their kids have cellphones if practice ends early or they get hurt, they can call.I hate that being able to contact family is now gated behind a $40/m mobile plan. #parenting
       
 (DIR) Post #AvVhkjgfg6U2CXEJbU by wall0159@aus.social
       2025-06-26T03:51:21Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @syntaxseed I wouldn't claim to have the answer, but FWIW my kids have been catching public transport to school since they were about 10. I got them both an android phone, and use the parental controls to restrict what they can do on the phone, as well as how long they can spend using it each day.We've certainly had a few problems, and boundaries are continually pushed, but on the whole I think it's worked reasonably well 🙂EDIT: I'm in Australia, but I found them a super-cheap plan that's ~$130/year (sim only)