Introducing Smartphones to Your Child

Smartphones can help us stay connected, navigate schedules, access information, and keep our families safe. But when it comes to giving a smartphone to your child the decision can be challenging. There’s no single perfect age for every child, but there are important factors to consider when it comes to deciding when and how to introduce a smartphone in a way that supports your child's wellbeing. 

One thing to understand is that smartphones are different from other digital devices like tablets or computers. Unlike those larger devices that are often used in shared spaces, a smartphone travels everywhere with your child, including school, friends’ houses, the car, and even bedrooms. That constant accessibility means phones can interrupt sleep, homework, family time, and face-to-face conversations, which are all crucial for healthy development. Because of this, it is recommended to think carefully about your child’s readiness rather than focus solely on an age. The average age when many kids begin to own a smartphone is around early adolescence, but that doesn’t mean every 10 and 11-year-old is prepared to handle all that comes with a phone. Instead, consider how your child behaves with tasks that demand responsibility, self-control, and good judgment. Are they usually reliable with homework and chores? Do they show responsibility with smaller devices or shared family technology? Can they follow rules and boundaries you set now? These are the kinds of questions that help guide readiness for smartphone ownership. 

Some kids may benefit from a basic phone, one that only allows calls and texts, before moving up to a smartphone. This can be especially useful for younger children who may need a way to stay in touch with caregivers but aren’t yet ready to navigate the internet, social media, or apps. For kids under age 12 or those who aren’t navigating many independent activities, a basic communication device is often an appropriate compromise. 

Research has also found that children who own a smartphone before age 12 are more likely to have increased risks of insufficient sleep, higher rates of obesity, and higher levels of depressive symptoms compared with peers who did not have a phone at that age. While these findings do not prove that having a phone directly causes these issues, they suggest that early smartphone access can be associated with patterns that negatively impact kids’ physical and mental health if not carefully managed. 

Creating a family phone plan before you hand over a smartphone can help your child use it in a healthy way. Talk with your child about expectations, such as when phones can be used, where they should be kept overnight, how to handle online interactions, and what kinds of content are appropriate. Consider phone-free zones, such as bedrooms at night or during family meals to protect sleep and strengthen family time. 

Parental involvement doesn’t stop after the first phone is given. Monitoring how your child uses their device, keeping lines of communication open, and modeling balanced phone habits yourself are all ways to support your child as they learn to navigate digital life. One important part of that supervision is helping them understand how to be respectful, safe, and thoughtful when communicating and interacting online. It’s also important to be aware that every family and every child is different. Some kids may be ready for a smartphone sooner, while others may do better waiting longer. The decision isn’t just about age, but also about preparedness and digital responsibility.

If you have questions about your child’s media use or want guidance on creating a healthy technology plan, call our office. We are here to help you make decisions that support your child’s health, safety, and development.