There's no single right age for a child to get a phone, as it depends on maturity, but many get their first between 12 and 13 when they need more independence for activities, while experts suggest considering readiness factors like responsibility, self-control, and understanding online risks, with some advocating delaying smartphones until 14 or later due to mental health concerns. Starting with simpler devices like smartwatches or 'dumb' phones for basic communication can ease the transition before a full smartphone.
Most experts say it's not a good idea and there's plenty of evidence on the Internet to prove why. If he insists, then at most get a phone that only allows texting and calling. Children that young don't need to have unsupervised access to the internet, mindless games etc.
In another survey of 765 teens and young adults, participants recommended that children receive their first phone between 12 and 13 years of age, when it becomes a necessity for independence from parents.
Early exposure to smartphones can lead to increased stress, distraction, and difficulty managing emotions, as kids may struggle to navigate the pressures of social media or online interactions. Encouraging face-to-face communication and play fosters healthier development and emotional well-being at this stage.
There are no hard and fast rules about the right age to give your child a mobile phone. But as your child's friends start to get their own phones, your child might want one too.
For the safest phone for a child in Australia, consider options like the Opel SmartKids, HMD Fuse, or Kidcomms P110, which offer strict parental controls, location tracking, whitelisted contacts, and limited or no internet/app access, preventing exposure to risky content, or basic 'dumb' phones like the Nokia 110 4G for just calls/texts; safety comes from devices designed for control, not just software on adult phones.
Gen Z is buying dumb phones to combat digital addiction, improve mental health, and regain focus by reducing constant notifications and social media comparison, allowing for more present, intentional tech use with simpler devices that offer calls/texts without the overwhelming features of smartphones, leading to better sleep, productivity, and less anxiety, says www.abc.net.au. This trend is a conscious move towards digital wellness, prioritizing real-world connections and reducing "compare and despair" cycles from curated online lives, The Guardian.
Roughly three-quarters of teens say it often or sometimes makes them feel happy (74%) or peaceful (72%) when they don't have their smartphone. Smaller but notable shares of teens equate not having their phone with more negative emotions.
By the time kids are in middle school, the pressure from kids can be intense, and parents worry that their child will feel isolated if other kids have phones and they don't. According to Common Sense Media, 42 percent of kids have a phone by age 10. By age 12, it's 71 percent. By 14, it's 91 percent.
Taking away a teen's phone interferes with their social life, which can drive a wedge between parent and teen. It's helpful to make the punishment related to the misbehavior, so taking away your teen's phone for a misbehavior like breaking curfew doesn't usually make sense.
For many parents, the decision to give their child their first phone comes down to fostering independence while ensuring they remain protected. When considering a cell phone for your child, a few reasons stand out. Beyond the obvious aspect of safety, there's the educational value that technology can bring, too.
Tips for reducing screen time
Tweens (9-12)
Once your child reaches their tween years, they'll start asserting their independence over many areas of their life, including their computer usage. By this time, they're well-versed in how to operate a computer and are likely familiar with the many uses of the internet.
According to Common Sense Media/Research, 43% of kids age 8 to 12 and 88% to 95% of teens up to age 18 have their own smartphone. If you are the parent of a 10-year-old, the begging may have already started. The general recommendation has been “Wait Until 8th (the end of 8th grade)”, but many kids get phones earlier.
A recent study found that a 72-hour phone break can reset brain activity tied to dopamine and serotonin, which are key to focus, motivation, and mood. But you don't need to unplug for three full days. Even one hour a day without your phone can help your brain reset. No scrolling.
The best first phone for kids balances communication with safety, with top choices including specialized options like the Bark Phone, Gabb, or Troomi for strict parental controls, budget Androids like the Samsung Galaxy A-series or basic Nokia for smart features, or even older refurbished iPhones for a familiar but controlled experience, depending on your child's age and your comfort level with apps/internet access.
Recommended time limits
Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends. 2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling. 5-17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework.
In 2015, 11 percent of 8-year-olds had a cell phone. By 2021, that increased to 30 percent, or one in three 8- and 9-year-olds having a phone. For ages 12 to 13, that number jumps to seven in 10, while 90 percent of teens 14 or older have their own phone.
The iPhone 16e and standard iPhone 16 (6.1-inch display) offer a great balance between screen size and usability. The discontinued (but still available in resale) iPhone 13 mini (5.4-inch display) is another excellent option for very small hands.
Overreliance on smartphones, at any age, can negatively affect cognitive ability, social or emotional skills, and sleep. As a general rule, experts recommend your child not be given their own phone until they are in middle school, at age 11-13.
The return of 'dumbphones' – a smart choice for many
Dumbphones are basic phones with limited internet access, so they can still browse the web and access messaging apps like WhatsApp, but you can't get social media apps. This helps minimise distractions and keeps kids safer online.
Research supports that more time spent outside in nature is good for our physical and mental health. Many activities like walking, biking, hiking, playing outdoor games or sports, or even going on a scavenger hunt are good alternatives for staying inside and watching a screen.
For Gen Z, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) emoji usually means something is overwhelmingly funny, cute, or heartwarming, signifying "crying with laughter" or being emotionally moved, rather than actual sadness, often replacing the older 😂 emoji for intense amusement. It's used for exaggerated, positive reactions to things like relatable humor, adorable pets, or touching moments.
Here's a look at some of the trending substances being abused by Gen Z today:
He also travels with an Iridium satellite handset for off-grid connectivity. Which phone do most billionaires use? Across public sightings, social-post metadata and wealth-demographic studies, iPhone Pro models dominate billionaire pockets.