Speaking as someone who didn’t get a phone until 16 or 17, I would say try to figure out what kids his age are using to communicate with each other and get him a device that allows him to participate in that. At the same time, try to educate yourself on what parental controls are available, and at least try to make an effort to educate them on computer and internet literacy, stuff like how to recognize and not engage with clickbait and to not overshare information where it can be seen by strangers.

Nope, it was so they could take the 30% cut of every penny that is spent on one of their platforms, and also so that it would be extremely inconvenient to leave their ecosystem since doing so would mean leaving behind most of your data.