Deciding when to give your child their first smartphone is one of the modern parenting dilemmas keeping mums and dads awake at night. With peer pressure mounting and technology becoming increasingly embedded in school life, many parents feel torn about the right time to take the plunge.
The Expert Verdict on Smartphone Readiness
Child psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Kilbey suggests there's no universal "right age" for smartphone ownership, but recommends parents consider waiting until at least year 7 (around age 11-12) when children typically start secondary school.
"The transition to secondary school often comes with practical reasons for needing a phone," Dr. Kilbey explains. "Children may be travelling independently for the first time, and parents want the reassurance of being able to contact them."
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
- Maturity level: Can your child follow rules about usage?
- Responsibility: Will they look after an expensive device?
- Social awareness: Do they understand online safety?
- Actual need: Is it essential or just peer pressure?
Alternative Solutions for Younger Children
For parents of primary school children, Dr. Kilbey recommends considering:
- Basic phones with call/text functionality only
- Parental control apps that limit screen time
- Family shared devices rather than personal ownership
- Delaying smartphone access until clear boundaries are established
The Digital Parenting Tightrope
"Parents today are navigating uncharted territory," says Dr. Kilbey. "While we want to protect children from online risks, we also need to prepare them for a digital world. The key is gradual, supervised exposure rather than sudden unrestricted access."
She emphasises that ongoing conversations about responsible usage, cyberbullying and digital footprints are more important than the specific age a child gets their first device.
