Does Lulu Need a Phone?

She says she’s ready for one. Her older sister isn’t so sure. What do you think?

Dear Katie,

My 12th birthday is next month, and there’s only one thing I want: a smartphone. All of my friends have one, but Dad says I have to wait until high school. I think I can convince him that I’m ready—with your help.

Since I’m the only one of my friends without a phone, I’m always left out. There’s a big group text, and they’re constantly sending Snapchats back and forth. It’s like there’s a whole world I’m not a part of, and it hurts.

I know Dad thinks I should just hang out with my friends in person. Well, sometimes I don’t get invited because the plans are made in the group text! A phone would really improve my social life. Plus, it would make things easier for the whole family. How many times have you all had to call my friends to get in touch with me?

You know that I’m responsible—I never lose anything. With you on my side, Dad might actually consider making my birthday wish come true. Will you help me?

Love,
Lulu, your phoneless little sister

Dear Katie,

My 12th birthday is next month, and there’s only one thing I want: a smartphone. All of my friends have one. Dad says I have to wait until high school. But with your help, I think I can change his mind.

Because I don’t have a phone, I get left out. My friends have a group text, and they send Snapchats back and forth. It’s like there’s a whole world I’m not a part of.

Dad says I should just hang out with my friends in person. Well, sometimes I don’t get invited because the plans are made in the group text! A phone would change that. Plus, it would make things easier for the whole family. How many times have you all had to call my friends to get in touch with me?

You know I’m responsible. I never lose anything. With you on my side, Dad might get me a phone. Will you help me?

Love,
Lulu, your little sister

Dear Katie,

My 12th birthday is approaching, and the one thing I really want is a smartphone. All of my friends have one, but Dad says I have to wait until high school. I think I can convince him that I’m ready—with your help.

Because I’m the only one of my friends without a phone, I’m always left out. There’s a big group text, and they’re constantly sending Snapchats back and forth. It’s like there’s a whole world I’m not a part of, and that can be really painful.

I know Dad thinks I should just hang out with my friends in person—but sometimes I don’t get invited because the plans are made in the group text! A phone would seriously improve my social life. It would also be more convenient for the whole family, because you wouldn’t have to call my friends to get in touch with me.

You know how responsible I am—I never lose anything. With you on my side, Dad might actually consider making my birthday wish come true. Will you help me?

Love,
Lulu, your phoneless little sister

Illustration by John Corbitt

Dear Lulu,

I know this isn’t the reply you expected, but I’m with Dad. He had the same rule for me. And now that I’ve had my phone for a year, I get it.

In health class, we’ve been learning about how our phones change us. Research shows that kids who spend a lot of time on their phones get lower test scores and worse sleep. I don’t need research to tell me that. Last year, I failed two big tests because I was up late on TikTok.

How did I let that happen? It’s crazy, but I feel like I have no control when it comes to my phone. I’m constantly checking it. It’s impossible to put it down.

When I was in middle school, I spent much more time reading and playing the guitar. I also saw my friends more. I honestly miss that! So try to enjoy these last couple of years before you get a phone. They’ll go by fast, I promise.

Love,
Katie, your (slightly) older and wiser sister

Dear Lulu,

This might surprise you, but I’m with Dad. He had the same rule for me. And now that I’ve had my phone for a year, I get it.

In health class, we’ve been learning about how our phones change us. We’ve learned that kids who spend a lot of time on their phones get lower test scores and worse sleep. I know that’s true. Last year, I failed two big tests because I was up late on TikTok.

I feel like I have no control when it comes to my phone. I’m always checking it. I can’t seem to put it down.

In middle school, I spent much more time reading and playing the guitar. I saw my friends more too. I miss that! So try to enjoy your last years without a phone. They’ll go by fast, I promise.

Love,
Katie, your older sister

Dear Lulu,

I know this isn’t the reply you expected, but I agree with Dad. He had the same rule for me. And now that I’ve had my phone for a year, I understand.

How did I let that happen? It’s crazy, but I feel like I have no control when it comes to my phone. I’m constantly checking it, and putting it down feels impossible.

When I was in middle school, I spent much more time reading and playing the guitar. I also saw my friends more. I honestly miss that! So try to enjoy your remaining time without a phone—it’ll go by quickly, I promise.

Love,
Katie, your (slightly) older and wiser sister