yea. I usually buy them a phone when they head to middle school because communicating with them becomes more important for pickups after school etc. Even the 7 seems a little too big for them, and they are definitely more breakable even with a case (aside from the mechanical button as you mention), more surface area I guess.

I'd love an SE sized super-budget iPhone (for kids).

iPhone SE started at $349. iPhone 7 starts at $449, so somewhat more expensive.

And a _lot_ larger. 'Reachability' is pretty much required for one-handed use, so it makes using the phone more annoying.