Phone with kids for pictures - Suggestion where do they keep ?

To be honest, most people would just put their phone in their pocket.

If the kids can be trusted with phones at home they should be fine in France. Maybe tell them to be a bit careful not to leave them behind at lunch etc.?

I didn't let them put in back pocket... but the 10 year old had me keep hers in my purse and used it for pictures. My 13yr old kept hers in her coat pocket for the most part.. or handed it to me. honestly it probably was another thing I worried about but didn't need to. We didn't use any public transportation though.

Activate the passcode on their phone. At least the data on the phone will be secure in the event it is lost or stolen. If you have a find-my-phone app like the one on the iphone, then you can use the app to track down your kid's phone. Very helpful if they simply left it at a restaurant or store.

It's hard to get kids to consider risks - that part of their brain doesn't fully develop until age 26. Ideally they would know, when they get into crowds, to hold on to their phone and not leave it in their back pocket. Other times putting it in your back pocket is fine. It's also not good to hold onto it loosely near the door of a train as someone might grab it and jump off the train before the door closes.

The more current the model, the higher the risk. Thieves can tell which phones are valuable with just a quick look. If they're using a basic or older smart phone, the risk is much lower.

I'd say get them either a wrist or neck lanyard (I've purchased neck lanyards that have the small attachment to work with phones on Amazon) and have them use those as much as possible. Also make sure they know a lost phone means they go without one.

The first day is the worst because everyone is jetlagged.

a very small cross body purse for the girls and a neck wallet for the boys that they wear under their shirt. Girls can use the neck wallet too but I find the small purse more convenient and comfortable and of course it will hold a lip balm and comb or whatever as well.

I totally agree with Brad.

Holding their phone has been what my kids ended up doing. They each also had a fanny pack. They would put the phon there, but sort of rest their hand on the pack in crowded areas.

Keeping your hand on the phone when you are not using it is a recipe for disaster.
Put it away when not actively using it.
More phones go "missing" everyday when people don't pay attention to them.
Be especially conscious of this when using the Metro and Bus.
It would be a good idea to back up any photos on a daily basis using a thumb drive.

My 15 year old daughter and I just returned from a three week trip to France. She held in her hand her brand new iPhone 7 Plus the majority of the time. She used it for pictures and her phone was the one with our data plan. We did purchase the insurance option, due to the trip, and also backed up her phone. We had no issues or concerns. In Paris, we stayed in the 7th and noted that many others (seemed to be mostly locals) had their phones out, as well. On this trip, we walked and did not take metro - would be wise to secure it there. Phone security was something I needlessly worried about before the trip. Have fun!!

Kids tend to be careless and easily distracted.

A neck strap is an excellent idea. Here's a good one - highly recommend

https://www.amazon.com/Remeel-Lanyard-Universal-Silicone-Smartphone/dp/B071F9CXTW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1499761852&sr=8-12&keywords=smartphone+neck+strap

These are available in several configurations. Take care not to choose one that covers the camera lens, camera button, or on/of button.

Obviously, they should never remove it and place it on a cafe table. They should wear it at all times.