[clauretano]

If you use your debit card as credit, you get the same protection as a Visa/Mastercard credit card. Merchants and POS systems will generally steer you toward using it as debit (i.e. with PIN) because it's cheaper for them. If you feel bad about increased costs for merchants, use cash.

[I realize the parent didn't indicate that they themselves were in the "no credit card" camp, just thought it might be helpful information for someone].

[NoPiece]

You may get the same protection, but the debit card protection comes after you've lost the money from your checking/savings account. After checks may have bounced.