I was 20 when I caved back in early 2000s. Was out on my own 2 yrs before I got one. These middle schoolers and even HS kids don't 'need' one. Society and most parents just make them think they do. We aren't that far removed from an era where their wasn't any AC. The house I grew up in didn't have the vents for it going upstairs and Dad was too cheap to get me a window unit for my room. Just crazy how fast the world changes
I lived in small town Iowa, during the school year I had to come home after school and get my homework done if I wanted to leave., and had to be home before dark.
In the summer, I was out the door at first light, and when the 6:00 siren went off knew I had to head home for supper.
I knew if I didn't come home when I was supposed to my ass was grass, so I listened. Didn't get in trouble so my parents were fine with giving me freedom.
Nowadays parents want their kids to text them every time they take a dump with a picture of quantity and color.
I just go by the same rules my folks gave me and it works--get your homework done, get good grades, and be home when I tell you to be home. Simple. And to be honest, kids are involved in so much stuff nowadays that really most of the time you know what they're up to anyway. Right now my kid has math bee practice Monday evenings, baseball on Tuesday nights, Wednesday is an after school program here in town with activities and snacks, and Thursday is Awana (I'm big time anti-church but I don't push atheism on my kid just like I don't push religion; he likes going so whatever). Friday we usually go to the local Mexican joint for supper, and he has basketball for a few more Saturday mornings.
When I was a kid I did none of that stuff because it wasn't available. I could have gone to Confirmation on Wednesdays, but...you know...