DS is 13. Most of his friends have a phone. He does not. I have a tracfone and DH has a phone paid by his job. I will not spend $$$ on a phone for DS so he can be like his friends. He takes mine when he goes out and will get a prepaid if we and he really feel he needs his own. He has not asked for one. Sorry, but I will not pay a bill every month so he can be like his friends. I think prepaid (mine is less than $8 per month) is the way to go for kids and adults alike. I have built up over 1000 minutes on mine in the last couple of years with bonus minutes, etc. I only use it when I have to.