I didn’t get the message!

All my friends have phones apart from me

Your thoughts (18)

Every school holiday, my friends are taking selfies, sending texts or comparing ringtones. As soon as I hit 9th grade everyone had a phone buzzing in their pocket but me. I have a serious case of phoneless - fear-of-missing-out!'

Yesterday a text went out about an after-school hangout – I didn’t get the message. I was feeling left out, like I wasn’t connected to anyone around me. I told my bestie how I was feeling, from small things like people sharing texts instead of notes in class, some people sharing photos – everything's online and I’m not a part of it.

Sometimes my bestie shares her phone with me when we are at school, and shows me the group chats or photos from the week – but it’s not the same.

My brother lets me have his phone when he is at sports practice on Sunday, but I’m not back from working at the market until late then I have to help with dinner so I only get 20 minutes on it a week! I’ve begged my parents for a phone, but they think sharing my brothers is enough - it’s not.

I need a phone to be in touch with my friends. A lot of our socialising is now online and I feel disconnected. I also want to be able to look up music notes quickly for my guitar practice or homework answers instead of relying on books or the school computer.

Sometimes I’m in unsafe situations because plans have changed, and I’m not told so I’m travelling or waiting alone somewhere – without a phone.

I’ve been saving money from my part-time job to save up for my own phone – but I’m worried I won’t be able to afford regular data to stay online. Some girls have wifi at home or at their school, but I don’t.

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Your thoughts

I think u can convince your parents by telling them that you can use for phone not only for chatting but for learning things because I also went through the same thing in convincing my parents especially my dad about having a phone. If it's also about data you can install an app "Free Basics". It helps in learning things and it also has other benefits.

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

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Hey Precious! Thanks for the tips you shared with us. That is a brilliant idea. Parents will definitely be encouraged to buy you a phone when they know that you want to use it to learn. We hope other Springsters will use this tip. Thanks for sharing this with us.

U ave to relax,try to show dem d advantage of aving a fone. So chill okay wit time u will get a phone.

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

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Hey Bayley! Thanks for encouraging your fellow a Springster. We are sure she will like to know some of the advantages you are talking about. Do you mind sharing some of those tips with us? We all want to learn from you. Big sister looks forward to your response.

My dad says he's nt gonna get me a fone now till I enter higher institution..dere is no way u can convince him about dat...he has said it he has said it all....my friends hv fones..I do feel left out in their presence most especially wen they r talking about d social media...I jux wish am nt in their midst...big sis it's heartbreaking...nd I really need a fone...wat do I do??pls I need ur help

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Pretty_val_32! Thanks for the comment. We are so sorry about this and we totally understand how you feel right now. Have you tried talking to another trusted adult to talk to your dad? Another method you can try is to tell him the educational benefits of the internet. Let him know about groups like Springster that you learn from so that he knows that you do not just need a phone to chat and be on social media. We are sure that he is just trying to be protective of you and not want to expose you to things that will corrupt you. Try to also gain his trust. You also need to know that all these can't happen in a day... it will definitely take some time but it is worth trying. We hope this helps

u av to let them no dat they can trust u, cuz parents fear that by giving their daughters fones they will be too open to the world and learn all sort of things dats bad, make bfs and more so if u earn their trust u can also earn a fone

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

Latest Reply

You are very correct slaybae! This is really the fear of most parents and once they trust you, most of these won't be a cause for worry. Thanks for sharing this with us.

U hv to let them no dat u wont do anytin unnecessary with the phone, because dat is the fear of some parent.

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

Latest Reply

Yes CHIMMY, we are glad that you have noticed it and this tip will not only help you to get a phone, it will also help in so many other things. We hope this helps

First let them have your trust now adays parents says phones are spoiling kids also i knw how you feel to be left out

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

A phone can sumtimes help u be safe in unsafe situations like if u are in trouble or otherwise.u ave to make dem undastand dat.hope my little point helps.

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

If u really want 2 get a phone try convincing dem by showing dem the advantages of having a phone,may be dat would make dem see ur own point if view.

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

Latest Reply

Very much correct

Tell them that u want to use it in doing ur assignments and also to get information.

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

Just tink girl like what awesome just said be wise ok

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

your parents should allow u to use phone because it is very important for life

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

Yeah it is