For many kids, their first cell phone is a rite of passage. According to a survey conducted in 2019, more than half of kids have a phone by the time they’re 11 years old. That number only rises once they hit their teenage years.

Despite this, there is no “right” or “best” age for your child to have a cell phone. What might work for one family won’t necessarily work for yours. That said, age should still play a role in deciding whether to give your child a cell phone.

How to Decide When Your Child Should Have a Cell Phone

If you have young children and are going through a divorce and working on a settlement agreement, it would be a good idea to put in the agreement the age when your child should get a cell phone or other such decisions about the upbringing of them. Hopefully both spouses in such a situation can come together on this issue (and others) and do an easy divorce by agreement. If you do agree to this issue then there would be no problem determining the age since the parents have worked together to determine it. However, some factors to consider when coming up with an answer to this question for your particular child are the age of the child, maturity level, and the need for a phone as well.

Age

Although there isn’t a set age for when a child should have a phone, here’s a rule of thumb to go by:

0 to 6 years old: Kids this age shouldn’t have a cell phone or tablet, nor should there be much of a reason for them to use one. Giving a child a phone or other electronic device too early could negatively impact things like their ability to concentrate. The apps and other aspects of a phone could be overstimulating for a child this young. Ideally, you should limit your child’s screen time (including television time) to no more than one hour per day until they’re in middle or high school.

7 to 12 years old: If a child attends various extracurricular activities or is away from their parents a lot, a basic flip phone could be beneficial for getting in touch with them. Their screen time should still be limited, as should their access to the internet. A basic phone can be used for emergencies or essential contact.

13 to 15 years old: Most teenagers have a cell phone, but you should still monitor and restrict their phone usage. Use the Parental Controls setting in the phone to set limits on screen time, apps and access to content. Consider giving your child a prepaid phone with basic internet to encourage in-person interaction while giving them more independence.

16 and up: It’s generally safe to give a kid this age a smartphone, but don’t be afraid to set some boundaries. Make sure your child is responsible and understands that a phone is a privilege, not a right, and can be taken away or restricted as needed.

Maturity Level

Along with age, ask yourself if your child is mature enough to have a smartphone. Some questions to consider include:

• Can they follow the rules and respect reasonable authority?
• Can you trust them with a phone, or will you need to heavily monitor their usage?
• Are they responsible with expensive belongings, or do they often lose or break things?
• Do they have the necessary social skills to interact with people in person?
• Do they have an addictive personality?
• Are they technologically savvy and aware of the possible risks or consequences of social media, cyberbullying and sharing information online?
• Do they have a part-time job and, if so, can they pay for their own phone and phone plan?

Giving your child a smartphone can be a great way to teach them about responsibility, as long as they’re mature enough to handle it. If you don’t feel comfortable giving your child a phone, then wait until they’re older.

Need vs. Age

Does your son or daughter need a phone, or do they simply want it? Kids who are independent or go out on their own a lot may benefit from having a phone because it’s a way to reach them. But kids who are always with a parent or trusted adult may not need a phone.

If you perceive the need to get in touch with your child at any time, then consider giving them at least a basic cell phone. Otherwise, wait until there’s a need or until they’ve proven themselves mature enough to have one. 

Pros and Cons of Having a Cell Phone

There’s no denying that cell phones are useful, but they come with their share of problems, too.

Cell Phone Pros

• Many smartphones come with GPS tracking software, which allows you to find your child if they’re lost or missing.
• They are indispensable when it comes to ensuring your child’s safety in an emergency.
• With a phone, you can easily contact your child when they’re not with you, such as when they’re at school, on the bus or at a friend’s house.
• Many academic institutions rely on modern technology in and out of the classroom. Your child may be able to use different apps (ex. educational or language apps) to keep up with their peers and learn more. A phone can also help them communicate with their peers on group projects or homework.
• Phones provide a great social learning opportunity to kids, which can help them learn and retain information, engage better, collaborate and make rational decisions.
• A cell phone is a great way to give your kid more independence.
• Internet access can make it easier for kids to find the answers they seek and satisfy their curiosity, thus encouraging further learning.

Cell Phone Cons

• Kids who receive a phone before they’re ready are more likely to experience long-term effects on their mental health, such as anxiety, depression or excessive stress.
• A smartphone with unrestricted internet access increases the chances of cyberbullying and distractions at school. This can hinder their learning and make them less confident or more willing to act out at home or school.
• Because of the easy access to the internet, a phone can also lead to more cheating on exams.
• Too much screen time could result in a sedentary lifestyle and limited physical activity.
• If your child has ADHD or another developmental issue, a phone could make it more difficult for them to concentrate or learn important social cues.

Tips on Giving Your Child a Cell Phone

Once you decide to give your child a phone, be transparent with them about any expectations you have. Set boundaries and limitations, but also explain why those boundaries exist. At the same time, don’t be afraid to monitor your child’s phone for potentially inappropriate or harmful content.

Remember, a smartphone isn’t your only option. If your child wants to chat with their friends outside of school or hanging out, consider getting them a flip phone instead. Or, you can get them a prepaid phone that doesn’t come with a long-term contract in case it doesn’t work out.

It’s also important to establish age restrictions on cell phone usage, especially if you share custody of your child with an ex. If you’re going through a divorce, try to address any related parenting and child-raising issues with them during mediation or set expectations in the divorce agreement. Doing this can prevent unnecessary conflict or confusion for the child later on.

Finally, help your child follow the rules by setting similar limitations on your own phone usage, such as when and how often you use your phone.

Bottom Line

Whatever age you decide to give your child a cell phone, make sure they’re mature enough to handle the responsibility that comes with it. Base your decision on what you know about your child, rather than on a specific age or what other parents are doing. Just because your child wants a phone, doesn’t mean they should necessarily have one. Giving in or making a decision just because it’s easier in the moment won’t do you – or your child – any favors in the long run.