iPhone for a 7th grader?

Personally, I wouldn't give a middle schooler an iPhone just because it will most likely get broken or lost.

If you already have 2 iPhones, you already know that it more expensive than a generic phone since you have to buy a data plan for each phone.

" Is it more expensive than a generic phone (cost of phone + telephone contract)?"


Yes.

For the phone - $100 -$300 if you commit to a 2 year contract. Much more if you do not.

At least $15 per month for the data plan - in addition to the regular phone plan. This could be more if the child accesses the internet more than the allowance of the plan.

None of this included texting.

A generic phone would likely be free with contract and would not nee a data plan at all.

Depending on there you live it could cause additional risk for your kid getting mugged because of it.
I know most 7th graders have a cell phone but, but since it's a very expensive and very desired phone(for thieves) and if they see him/her playing around with it in public, it's very easy to snatch it off a child. Or even someone from school could snatch it out of the schoolbag during P.E. etc.
Honestly it would make me worried.
About usage there should be no problem, this generation grew up with Computers, PSP, etc and can be often smarter with technology than most adults.

7th grader might be a bit rough on it. You could get them a more rugged phone and an iPod Touch... see how the touch holds up. Then in a couple years move them to an iP4.

My kid killed a couple samsung candybar phones in middle school (mostly by texting the keyboards to death, but a few drops too) but is now on an iPhone in highschool.

Whenever you do finally get one for the kid, consider getting a microsim adapter ($5 or so online) and a cheap GSM phone ($50 on ebay, used) for the kid to use when going into extremely hostile environments like hiking/camping/the beach/etc. You'll both be happy you did.

Expect cracked glass panels front and/or back within 2 days. You may need to set up mail, etc., but once it's configured, a 7th grader should have no probelm phoning and surfing.

It all depends on the kid you're trying to buy it for. I bought an iPhone 4 when they came out to my nephew who is 12yo and is also in 7th grade. He's a very smart kid and has a history of taking really good care of all the gadgets I've gotten for him in the past. He loves it and so far nothing has happened to the iPhone. I'd say go for it. Especially if the kid is an honor roll student like my nephew.

~R

We recommend the iPhone to any user. iOS 4 is the most intuitive, easy-to-use mobile operating system there is today.

I would agree with Tamara.


IMHO this is a bit much (risk/cost/exposure /responsibility/etc) for a child.

Right, it could be a security risk for the child. The phone can be replaced, insured, etc., but not a bad experience.

You could always get him/her a iPod touch and a generic(or even prepaid) phone.