side by side pictures of two girls with phones

Illustrations by John Corbitt; iStockPhoto/Getty Images

Debate,

Does Lulu Need a Phone?

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

From the September 2021 Issue

Lexile: 500L-600L, 600L-700L

Guided Reading Level: Q

Featured Skill: Main Idea and Supporting Details,

Directions

Read the article, then answer the questions below.

Directions

Read the article, then answer the questions below.

Illustrations by John Corbitt; iStockPhoto/Getty Images

Dear Arielle,

My 10th 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 middle school. Ugh! But 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 sharing TikTok videos with each other. 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 help me become closer with my friends. 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 actually consider making my birthday wish come true. Will you help me?

Dear Arielle,

My 10th 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 middle school. Ugh! I think I can show him that I’m ready. But I need your help.

I’m the only one of my friends without a phone. That means I’m always left out. There’s a big group text. They’re constantly sharing TikTok videos with each other. It’s like there’s a whole world I’m not a part of. And it hurts!

Dad thinks I should just hang out with my friends in person. Well, sometimes I don’t get invited. The plans are made in the group text! A phone would help me become closer with my friends. Plus, it would make things easier for the whole family. You wouldn’t have to keep calling my friends to get in touch with me.

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

Love,

Lulu, your phoneless little sister

Illustrations by John Corbitt; iStockPhoto/Getty Images

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 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 YouTube.

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.

During the pandemic, we’ve had to spend so much time in front of screens for school and to see Grandma and Grandpa. Aren’t you ready for some screen-free fun? When I was in elementary school, I spent much more time reading and playing soccer with friends. 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,

Arielle, your (slightly) older and wiser sister

Dear Lulu,

This reply might surprise you. But I agree 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 learned about how our phones change us. Scientists have studied kids who spend a lot of time on their phones. Those kids get lower test scores. They don’t sleep as well. I don’t need science to tell me that. Last year, I failed two big tests. That’s because I was up late on YouTube!

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

During the pandemic, we’ve had to spend so much time in front of screens. We’ve been doing online school. We’ve been FaceTiming with Grandma and Grandpa. Aren’t you ready for some screen-free fun? When I was in elementary school, I spent much more time reading and playing soccer with friends. 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,