Son is 16, best friend is 17, they go to the same high school. Best friend’s family’s wealthy. He bought son a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max & a pair of AirPods Pro 2, so they can “match”. Son’s obviously very happy, but I think it’s a bit too much. I called the parents and they said it’s fine, it’s just pocket change.
There are somethings to worry about here, but the biggest red flag is the motivation. Buying someone you barely know a gift “so they can match” screams manipulation and control.
Buying a brand new friend a new phone because theirs broke? Cool I guess. Buying a new friend a new phone so they can look like you? That sets off alarm bells in my head and I’d have a serious talk with your kid about boundaries and power and control dybamics.