At my university, Facebook is primarily used for events and groups. The groups aren't used for discussion though, mostly just for informing about the events. Banter is usually done in Telegram chat groups. Party photos make great stickers..
I guess it's reached the point where everyone is assumed to have a smartphone. As someone who loathes the charging, updating, and payment treadmill of the things, I find this trend worrying. :- (
Buy a Moto G4 (or equivalent) out right, get a pay as you go SIM, and only allow data transfer through wi-fi. Won't solve the daily charging, but does get you out of the payment treadmill.