A Parent’s Guide to When to Give Your Kid a Phone

So the has come when your kid is begging for a phone. “Everyone at school has one!” “I want to talk to my friends!” “I want to play games!” But how old should a kid be when they get a phone? 

It’s no secret that kids these days are obsessed with their phones. Instagram, TikTok, and the swaths of content on YouTube make it an appealing place for entertainment-hungry kids. But the destructive effects of social media are rampant, so it shouldn’t be a decision you rush into. Of course, everything depends on the specific child, but here are some general guidelines to help you make a decision:

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What age is appropriate?

Age 5: In short, too young. If your little one is starting to show signs of wanting to be like their older siblings or friends that have their own, consider buying them a toy phone, or at most monitored flip phones.

Age 10: Some schools require kids this age to have cell phones in case of emergencies, so if they’re in school and they’re mature, you could consider getting them a smartphone. However, make sure there are restrictions on internet access and usage times.

Ages 14+: If you already bought your child a phone, and they use it responsibly, this is the age where you can let them have some freedom. If you haven’t bought them a phone already, adolescence is a good chance to get them on track for adulthood, where of course they’ll need to know how to navigate the digital world.

The Pros and Cons of giving them a phone

If you decide to give your child a phone, there are some pros and cons to think about. First the pros:

Safety: The biggest pro of giving your kid a phone is that it can provide them with a sense of security when they’re out and about. Having your phone on hand means that you can contact your child in an emergency, which is deeply reassuring for kids and parents alike.

Communication: Consistently checking in with your child while they’re at school can help you stay connected to their day-to-day life, too, which will make you feel more involved in their life.

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Now the cons:

Distraction: The constant sensory overload of the internet can exacerbate existing attention disorders and push your child away from schoolwork and development. 

Privacy: Sending texts or emails from home could leave your children vulnerable to being bullied online. To stay safe, you should stop them from sharing personal details without knowing who they’re talking to first. 

Cost: Kids are kids after all. An expensive smartphone could mean an expensive repair bill. If you child is prone to breaking things, consider buying a refurbished phone, like this iphone 8 plus unlocked.

With all this in mind, it’s most important to consider your child and your family’s needs. If you and your partner are split, for example, it could be more important to stay in contact. But if you already keep a close watch and know your child is at risk of distraction, it could be smarter to wait until they’re more mature. Whatever decision you make, know that a phone is a big deal and an important step in becoming a modern adult.  Bloss has a whole host of parenting experts who can help to answer any more of your parenting worries.