They are not required immediately when coming in my custody, but I will require them to use a portion of their cash gift to acquire a PC and phone. While I am sure ChromeOS, and GoogleBook will work well enough, they may not have the more advanced features such as a second online drive that will be provided to them. In that regard, they will probably want Linux, MacOS, or Windows 11. The computer can be a desktop, but from experience, a notebook will make more sense especially since the prices of the two have been very similar as more people look for notebook PCs instead of bigger and bulkier desktops. A computer will be essential for doing school work, and manage their communication resources. With that said, a computer is needed to connect with the school, and therefore a necessity for their education
As for the phone, I will allow them to choose the phone they want. I would imagine most 8 year olds will want a smartphone, and I will allow it. However, they will need to do chores to earn enough to keep service active. This is a condition of having a smartphone. I will also be required to have the telephone number, and they must answer when I call. Therefore, they will have both my home and cellular phone number which they will wish to add into my contact point. A phone is required. The child does not need to acquire a smartphone, I will just assume most will. However, they could just as easily get a home phone, and get a home phone number that they can then use to make and receive calls. They can even acquire both if that would be their thing.
I will be giving them a significant cash gift that I will manage for them until they receive their debit card. This might take some time as they might have to get a photo ID card. When I take custody of the child, I should be able to have all of the legal documentation I will need to get them a photo ID card. Once they receive their debit card, they will not need my intervention for every transaction they would want to do. They will not be able to make online purchases until they get their debit card.