What was the punishment for the 12 year old? This will tell us everything we need to know about this story.
I'm kind of with you on this one. 12yo is old enough to understand the rules (assuming they were clearly set ) and if he/she was willingly communicating with a stranger, that phone should get the hammer with no replacement whatsoever. I've seen this done, it works.
Trying to scare children into following rules does not and will not end well.
> I've seen this done, it works.
You think it works because the child has realized that they will need to be better at hiding their actions in the future.