Are you one of the many parents trying to figure out the right time to get their kid their first phone? Phones for kids provide the benefits of connectivity but the decision can be fraught with risks.
Here we consider the best time to give your child a phone, what kind of phone you should buy them and how to minimise the risks.
When should I buy my child a phone?
There is no set age as to when to buy your child a phone, although experts do recommend the later the better. The ideal age for a child to get their first mobile phone depends on a lot of different factors. Here are some things to consider:
Maturity level
A child’s ability to follow rules and exhibit responsibility is crucial. Are they good at managing screen time and adhering to boundaries? If a child struggles with self-regulation and is already showing unhealthy screen patterns, they may not yet be ready for a phone.
Purpose
Consider why your child needs a phone. Is it mainly for safety reasons, such as staying connected while walking to and from school or during extracurricular activities? Or is it more about socialising with friends*?
Family dynamics
If you have a split household or a schedule that prevents you from being home when your child arrives after school, a phone can be a practical way to stay connected. Similarly, if you live in a rural area or are caring for an elderly family member, a phone can be invaluable in case of emergencies.
School and peer environment
Many schools include technology as part of their curriculum, which may require students to have devices by a certain age. However, many schools also have a mobile phone ban. Peer pressure can pose a risk to your child having a phone.
Which phone should I buy my kid?
Once you’ve figured out if your child is ready for a phone, the next step is deciding what type of phone they should have. That will depend on their age, needs and your budget.
Basic “dumb” phones
For younger kids, the best phone will be a basic one. Basic or “dumb” phones will only have call and text capabilities. They allow parents to stay in touch without the distractions of the app store, games or internet access. This can help reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content or receiving potentially inappropriate links from other kids.
Examples include phones such as the Nokia 110 4G or similar models with minimal features. These are often referred to as kid phones or starter devices.
Kid-friendly smartphones
While it’s difficult to ascertain if a smartphone is really kid-friendly, there are options in the settings to make them more suitable. Features like screen time monitoring, content and app restrictions, and passcode requirements for downloads can help. However, most of these are still far too basic or clunky.
You’ll most likely need an online safety program such as Canopy.us or Bark to provide comprehensive protection. These programs block harmful content, have removal protection and are managed by the parent portal. You are able to see your child’s location, apps used and also enable or disable websites or programs.
Smartwatches
An alternative to phones is smartwatches with calling, text messages and location tracking capabilities. There are various smartwatches with ranging prices to suit most budgets.
Potential pitfalls of phones for kids
While phones offer loads of benefits, they also come with significant risks. Being aware of these pitfalls can help parents make informed decisions and implement safeguards. These include:
Screen addiction
It’s super easy to just let your kid play on their phone or talk to friends for hours while you try and get stuff done. But it very quickly and easily can turn into an addiction where your child cannot be without the device for fear of disconnection or missing out on something.
Exposure to inappropriate content
The internet is a vast space and children may inadvertently (or intentionally) encounter age-inappropriate content, including violence, explicit material or harmful ideologies. Kids know how to operate private browsing pages or get around setting limitations. Kids may even access the dark web.
Cyberbullying
Social media and messaging apps can expose kids to cyberbullying. Hurtful comments, exclusion or harassment can have a profound impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing and can lead to serious mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Privacy and security risks
Children may not fully understand the importance of protecting personal information. They might overshare details like their location, school or daily routines on social media apps. There is also the risk of being scammed or talking to “peers” who are not actually peers at all.
Financial costs
Phones can be expensive, not just for the initial purchase but also for ongoing costs for data plans, repairs or replacements if a device is lost or damaged. New phones often come with big price tags and large-screen devices may require additional accessories like screen protectors and covers.
Social pressure and comparison
Owning a phone can lead to feelings of competition among peers. Children might feel pressured to have the latest model with a large screen or use specific apps to fit in.
Phones for kids: Tips for parents
Navigating the world of kids and mobile devices can be challenging, but these tips can help:
Start with clear rules
Establish guidelines for phone use from the outset. This might include time limits, approved app usage and specific times when phones must be turned off (such as during meals, bedtime or school hours).
Use parental controls
Leverage parental controls offered by phone manufacturers or third-party apps. These tools can restrict app downloads, block inappropriate websites, set screen time limits and provide GPS tracking.
Model healthy behaviour
Kids learn by example. Demonstrate responsible phone usage by limiting your own screen time, especially during family interactions.
Encourage offline activities
Balance phone usage with activities that don’t involve screens, such as sports, reading or creative hobbies. Being actively involved in your kid’s activities is more than just a good idea; it’s crucial for developing a trusting bond.
Communicate openly
Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences. Regular check-ins can help you stay informed and help them feel connected to you. If they come across trouble with their phone usage, they need to feel safe to talk to you about it.
Review phone contracts
Some families find it helpful to create a “phone contract” outlining rules and consequences. This can serve as a reference point if issues arise.
Lots to think about
Many kids get their first phone around the first year of high school, but it can be earlier or later depending on their needs. It’s important to remember that every child is different and while things need to be fair, parents also need to be wise and caring.
Your child’s phone can be an incredible tool, but it can also be limitless trauma waiting to happen. By weighing up the pros and cons, and taking into account your child’s unique personality and needs, you can help prepare and protect them.
* In late 2024, the Australian government introduced a law which will see children under the age of 16 blocked from using social media from the end of 2025. This means they will not be able to use platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit and Facebook.
Phones for kids: When, how and which ones?
