What Age Should Kids Get a Smartphone? A Parent's Guide

Once children discover the internet, many start asking for their own phone. But what age should a kid get a smartphone? When is it too soon, and what privileges should come with a child’s first phone?

This guide will explain when most children receive their first smartphone and how you, as a parent, can respectfully monitor their activity.

At What Age Should You Get Your Child a Smartphone?

Deciding when to give your child their first smartphone requires lengthy discussions and careful planning. According to a recent study, 42% of children have a smartphone by age 10, while 91% do by age 14 [*].

However, the age at which you should get your child a smartphone will ultimately depend on their maturity level, safety needs, and ability to use a phone responsibly. There is no single “right age” for getting a smartphone.

Pros and Cons of Kids Having Smartphones

As with any big life decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to giving your child a smartphone. Here’s what you should consider.

Pros:

• Higher independence: Smartphones can make children feel independent. They can easily contact their parents or a trusted adult when they feel unsafe and build confidence about being on their own.
• Ideal for research and creativity: Smartphones give children easier access to information, research, and tools to nurture hobbies and skills. Studies by Pew Research Center have shown that 65% of children feel more creative with access to a smartphone, with 69% claiming smartphones make it easier to pursue their interests [*].

Cons:

• Higher risk of dependence: Like any shiny new toy, a smartphone can be difficult for a child to put down. They can become addicted to using it, which can cause sleep problems and attention issues.
• Mental health concerns: Another Pew Research survey showed that 44% of teens feel anxious when separated from their phones, and 39% feel lonely without them [*]. In addition, because of the increased risk of cyberbullying, children may become prone to developing depression.

Factors to Consider Before Getting Your Child a Smartphone

While getting your child a smartphone can keep them entertained and make them more accessible when they’re not at home, there are some things to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider before giving your child a smartphone.

Your child’s maturity level

The answer to when to give your child a smartphone isn’t so much about age, but about their ability to understand and follow rules. How do they respond to the rules in your home? Do they understand the purpose of these rules? Do they ever challenge these rules?

If your child already has screen time on an iPad or through watching television, how do they handle their limits? Do they understand online etiquette and how to stay safe on social media platforms? These are all factors you should evaluate.

Your communication needs and purpose

Consider why you want to give your child a smartphone. Is it because they’re asking for it? Do you think it’ll be the most appropriate and convenient way to communicate with your child when you aren’t in the same space?

If your main reason for giving your child a phone is logistics or safety, consider giving them a basic phone instead.

Social awareness

How well your child understands the concept of “stranger danger” can dictate how ready they are for a smartphone. Social media can affect a child’s self-esteem, and knowing how to navigate it can help children stay safe online.

Signs your child might be socially aware enough for a smartphone include:

• Knowing how social media can affect mental health
• Handling conflicts healthily when they encounter disagreements
• Understanding the impact of their words on others
• Respecting rules and boundaries
• Knowing when to ask for help
• Showing empathy for others

Tips for Introducing Your Child to a Smartphone

So, you’ve decided your child is responsible enough for a smartphone. Here are some tips to ensure they use their new gadget safely and responsibly.

Establish ground rules

Work together to set boundaries for smartphone use. For example, you might designate phone-free times during family meals, while doing homework, and before bedtime.

You can even list these rules in a family contract or tech plan and sign it together to remind your child that a smartphone is a privilege and should be used responsibly.

Limit screen time

Limiting screen time encourages children to engage in healthy hobbies like spending time outdoors, creating art, or socializing with friends. Most smartphones have a Screen Time feature, which allows parents to set limits on daily screen time.

Consider other screen time tips, such as tech timeouts, allocating a portion of screen time to educational resources, or setting a daily schedule.

Set parental controls

Parental controls allow parents to limit what apps and media a child has access to on a smartphone. These controls can help children safely access the internet without running into harmful or unfiltered content.

Some apps allow parents to receive notifications when their child encounters harmful content, such as sexual material, threats of violence, and cyberbullying.

Educate your child about online safety

Teaching your child about online safety is crucial to their privacy, ability to handle cyberbullying, and avoidance of inappropriate content. The Internet can be exciting for children, but it’s also dangerous when unsupervised.

Educate your child about online safety through regular, ongoing conversations. Encourage them to think about potential scenarios, such as what they would do if they received a message from a stranger or if one of their social media accounts got hacked.

Model responsible smartphone use

Part of setting healthy smartphone-related boundaries with your child is modeling them yourself. If you designate phone-free times throughout the day, adhere to the same rules. Spend this time getting to know your child through other activities and

Select age-appropriate apps

When equipping your child with a smartphone for the first time, choose age-appropriate apps that prioritize their online safety. For example, you can use Messenger Kids to communicate and use kid-friendly social networks.

You can also use a smartphone to encourage creativity through apps like PopJam for drawing and Toontastic 3D for story-making. 

Alternatives to Smartphones for Kids

If you have a child under preteen age, consider adding an interim step before getting them a smartphone. Start with a basic phone meant for contacting family members without full access to social media or the Internet.

Alternatively, you can opt for a smartwatch that they can use to contact you or share their location, or provide a tablet with cellular capabilities.

The Bottom Line

Deciding when to give your child a smartphone isn’t just about age—it’s about their maturity level, ability to handle social situations, and communication needs. Ultimately, the goal is to equip your child with the right tools to keep them safe and have healthy conversations.

Strong social skills ensure your child can use smartphones responsibly and handle difficult situations online. Use our social skills worksheets to help your child build self-awareness.

Sources:

1. Rideout V, Peebles A, Mann S, Robb M. “The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens.” Common Sense Media, 2021.
2. Atske S. “How Teens and Parents Approach Screen Time.” Pew Research Center, 2024.