I don't know if it is still true, but even old phones that aren't connected would work for calling 911--back in the day.

I got my kids phones for *my* convenience, not their's. However, I have boys who are not known for their gabbiness. My mid son did abuse his, but it was mostly texting that got him--fortunately he had a job and he paid that $300 bill. That was several years ago, when the plans weren't as good, too. Texting was new.

My youngest is not allowed to give his cell number out to anyone I don't know personally. He does have a friend from Memphis who calls regularly, but they're both on unlimited plans so it doesn't matter.

The conversation should be about social graces (talking to someone on the phone while other friends are right there in your presence, talking too loudly, multiple calls to the same person in a short time span), rather than the phone itself, I think. All those are things I've seen teenagers do to each other. They might not find it rude, but it won't fly as they get older.

Good luck--it's a hard decision to allow more freedom when you feel uncomfortable in some way.

Karen