Messaging platform for kids without phone plans (1 Viewer)

[Polish Hammer]

My 11-year-old son had connected with some kids at a summer camp and wants to keep in touch with them afterward. He doesn't yet have a phone, but these other kids do (iPhones). He does have an Android tablet, and if really needed I could drop a data-only SIM into an old phone (OnePlus 3T or iPhone 4s). 

Are there any simple and safe platforms/ways that will allow him to keep in touch with these other kids? I saw something briefly the other day about getting a Google Voice number and APN settings and the data-SIM to essentially get a VOIP device without paying for a separate line. Not sure if that would enable this sort of communication or not.

Any and all help is appreciated. 

 

[belljr]

My 11-year-old son had connected with some kids at a summer camp and wants to keep in touch with them afterward. He doesn't yet have a phone, but these other kids do (iPhones). He does have an Android tablet, and if really needed I could drop a data-only SIM into an old phone (OnePlus 3T or iPhone 4s). 

Are there any simple and safe platforms/ways that will allow him to keep in touch with these other kids? I saw something briefly the other day about getting a Google Voice number and APN settings and the data-SIM to essentially get a VOIP device without paying for a separate line. Not sure if that would enable this sort of communication or not.

Any and all help is appreciated. 

I used this on my daughters tablet at that age

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pinger.textfree&hl=en_US

It worked ok

 

[[scooter]]

Google Voice will allow texting as long as the device is connected to the internet.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Could use Discord to effectively text

 

[Van Dyman]

My kid's first device was an Ipod touch. Wifi only, no cell radio in that thing. We put an app on it that enabled texting and phone calls via wifi. I think it was TextPlus.

 

[strykerpks]

Groupme

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Groupme

I thought GroupMe required a phone number at setup.  No?

 

[strykerpks]

I thought GroupMe required a phone number at setup.  No?

Ah, good point. NM

 

[grateful zed]

google voice or facebook.

 

[skol asylum]

Hangouts? Is that on iPhone?

 

[Jaysus]

Google Voice is what you want. Can text and make VoIP phone calls when connected to WiFi.

You'll need a real phone number to sign up though... Just use yours.

 

[Foosball God]

I would say Discord or Kik

 

[Osaurus]

Morse Code down?

 

[The Z Machine]

Morse Code down?

Pen pal is where it's at.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Thanks for the help on this, everyone!  We opted to go with Pony Express.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Google Voice is what you want. Can text and make VoIP phone calls when connected to WiFi.

You'll need a real phone number to sign up though... Just use yours.

May revisit this option since a few have recommended it.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Hangouts? Is that on iPhone?

I think this is being discontinued.

 

[Foosball God]

Thanks for the help on this, everyone!  We opted to go with Pony Express.

Fine, don't listen to me

 

[El Floppo]

dot.

 

[Foosball God]

dot.

Never heard of that one

 

[El Floppo]

Never heard of that one

link