Honestly, I’d lean toward giving him the phone — but on your rules, not his.
Get him something basic, and before he even holds it, set it up yourself. Parental controls on, time limits locked in, PUBG only after homework or on weekends, and definitely no phone in the bedroom at night. Make the rules clear from day one, not after a fight.
Here’s the thing — the phone isn’t what worries you. It’s the unlimited, no-boundaries part. So don’t hand him freedom, hand him a phone with a leash. He still feels like a normal kid, and you still sleep at night.
And be upfront with him: “You get the phone, but break the rules and it comes right back.” Then actually mean it. Kids test boundaries, but they respect them when you hold the line.
You’re not being mean, mama. You’re being smart. And honestly, that kid is lucky you’re even thinking this hard about it.
You got this.