there are inexpensive plans with limited text/data. dd1 has done fine with tracfone $25/ 3mo no data and 1000 texts. Occasionally I have to get extra texts but its been fine and she's now in 12th grade. I'm going to switch her service to Tmobil which is $15/mo with limited data this month. I dont allow them to have social media so its fine for us.
I held off on the phone for a long long time but when they start walking 2mi to school it made me feel better. Actually, its not even to school - if they dont make it to school, I get a call within 2h. Its the going with friends places or to the library that was making me panic.
dd1 10/05
dd2 11/09
and ... a mini poodle!