Parents' Ultimate Guide to First Phones (2024)

Parents Need to Know

What's the Right Age for a First Phone?

How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for a Phone?

What If My Child Isn't Ready for a Phone Yet?

Ready for a Phone? How to Start Smart

How Do I Keep Up With My Child's Device Use?

Key Concerns and Solutions

Age-by-Age Considerations

Making It Work Long-Term

Parents Need to Know

• The average age for kids getting their first phone is now around 11 years old, but there's no universal "right age." The decision depends on your family's specific needs, your child's maturity, and your circumstances.
• Starting with a basic phone or smartwatch can help kids build healthy tech habits before moving to a smartphone.
• Research shows early smartphone access can impact sleep, mental health, and academic focus, but proper boundaries and guidance can help minimize risks.
• Family agreements, parental controls, and open conversations are essential for helping kids develop healthy tech habits from the start.
• Starting with limited access and gradually expanding privileges as kids demonstrate responsibility can help make the transition smoother.

What's the Right Age for a First Phone?

A first phone isn't just a device—it's a gateway to a broader digital world that can affect everything from sleep and mental health to friendships and academic focus. It can also help kids stay connected with family and friends, build independence, and provide a safety net for emergencies. The average age kids are getting their first phone is around 11, but many are starting even earlier. And while experts tend to recommend waiting until age 13 or older to ensure kids have the emotional maturity to handle the responsibility, we also know that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your family's specific needs and your child's readiness matter more than any particular number.

Getting a phone means managing new responsibilities: balancing screen time, handling social pressures, protecting privacy, and developing healthy tech habits. Research shows early smartphone access can impact sleep, anxiety levels, and in-person connections. That's why some families choose to start with simpler devices and clear boundaries, helping kids build digital skills gradually while protecting their well-being. We also know that for some families, jumping straight to a smartphone may feel like the best or most practical option. Every family's situation is unique, and the important part is creating a plan that works for your child and your family.

Things to Consider

• Your child's maturity level and ability to follow rules
• Your family's schedule and communication needs
• School requirements and expectations
• Your child's social situation and peer pressure
• Safety considerations and emergency contact needs
• How they see devices being used by adults and other kids around them

How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for a Phone?

Age is just one small factor in the phone readiness equation. A mature 11-year-old who handles responsibilities well might be more prepared than a 14-year-old who struggles with boundaries. Instead of only focusing on age, you can also look at your child's individual development, emotional maturity, and ability to handle both independence and limits.

Signs Your Child Might Be Ready:

• Can follow rules and accept limits in other areas, like completing homework or chores without constant reminders
• Shows good judgment when making decisions, like choosing to prioritize homework over video games or seeking help when faced with a problem
• Takes care of their other belongings, such as keeping track of water bottles, school books, or other daily-use items
• Understands and respects boundaries
• Can handle frustration without major meltdowns

Signs You Might Want to Wait:

• Often loses or breaks things, like constantly forgetting their lunchbox at school or dropping and damaging family devices
• Struggles to follow basic rules, such as repeatedly ignoring bedtime or forgetting to brush their teeth
• Has trouble managing screen time on other devices
• Gets very upset when told "no", especially when it comes to screen time
• Shows poor judgment in other areas, like sharing personal information with strangers or engaging in risky behavior without considering consequences

What If My Child Isn't Ready for a Phone Yet?

Not ready for a smartphone? You're not alone. Many families start with simpler options that provide essential communication without the risks and responsibilities of a fully-loaded phone. These alternatives can help kids build healthy tech habits gradually while giving you peace of mind. They're often more cost-effective too, letting you test how your child handles device responsibility before investing in a smartphone.

Alternatives to Consider:

Smartwatches

Kids' smartwatches offer basic calling and GPS tracking without internet access or social media. They're harder to lose than phones, and you control exactly who can contact your child. They're perfect for after-school check-ins and emergency contact while minimizing distractions.

Some options:

• Verizon Gizmo Watch 3
• Apple Watch SE (with Apple Watch For Your Kids setup)
• Gabb Watch 3e

Basic Phones

These simplified phones handle calls and texting without apps or internet access. They're durable, have a long battery life, and cost less than smartphones. They're ideal for older kids who need more communication but aren't ready for social media or unlimited internet.

Some options:

• Gabb Phone
• Bark Phone
• Pinwheel Pixel

Shared Family Devices

Using a dedicated family device lets kids practice responsible tech use under supervision. They can use approved apps on home Wi-Fi while you maintain control over access and screen time. This approach works well for homework, approved games, and learning apps without the commitment of a personal device.

• Tablets like an older iPad or Amazon Fire with parental controls enabled
• Old iPhone or Android phone (cellular disabled) used as a Wi-Fi only device
• iPod Touch with Screen Time limits
• Family Chromebook or laptop with a supervised profile

Ready for a Phone? How to Start Smart

So you've decided your child is ready for their first phone. This guide will help you set a strong foundation from day one, combining the right controls and settings with family discussions and agreements. Think of it as building guardrails that can be adjusted as your child demonstrates more and more responsibility.

Getting Started: Setting Them Up for Safe Use

Create a Family Phone Agreement:

A family phone agreement helps set clear expectations for how your child will use their first device responsibly. By working together to create rules and boundaries, you can foster mutual understanding and trust. Use our Family Tech Planners to help guide your discussion and customize a plan that works best for your family.

Key Elements to Include:

• When and where it's OK to use the phone: Set rules about when and where phones can be used, such as avoiding use during meals, family time, or bedtime. Define phone-free zones like bedrooms and school settings where phones aren't needed.
• What can and can't be accessed: Decide together which apps are allowed to be downloaded and used. Start off by requiring permission before downloading.
• Screen time limits and downtime rules: Establish daily time limits for phone use and create device-free periods, such as during homework or one to two hours before bedtime. Use built-in screen time tools to enforce limits.
• Digital safety and privacy: Agree on safety guidelines, including not sharing personal information (like passwords, location, or school details) and discuss the importance of setting accounts to private. Emphasize how to handle unwanted interactions, such as blocking or reporting to trusted adults.
• Care and responsibility: Teach them how to take care of their phone by using protective cases, keeping it in safe places, and avoiding risky behavior like using it near water. Help them understand the importance of charging it regularly and being mindful of how it's handled.
• Respect, etiquette, and awareness: Emphasize being respectful when using their phone around others, such as putting it on silent, not being distracted by the phone during face-to-face interactions, and staying off the phone during family or social engagements. Discuss situational awareness, like not using the phone when walking across the street or in environments that require attention. Help them understand how these habits show respect and keep them safe.
• Consequences for breaking rules: Set clear, agreed-upon consequences for not following the rules, such as losing phone privileges for a set time or limiting app access.

Once you've created your agreement, consider putting it in a visible place, like on the fridge or a family bulletin board, so everyone remembers the expectations. Make it a point to revisit the agreement regularly—whether monthly or after significant milestones—to remind your child of the rules, reset habits as needed, and adjust guidelines as they grow and take on more responsibility.

Safety Settings and Controls:

Now that you've set clear expectations and created a family phone agreement, it's time to put those plans into action. Setting up safety controls and family management tools ensures your child's phone use stays aligned with your family's rules while helping them navigate the digital world responsibly. This step isn't about spying or punishment—it's about creating guardrails that support your child as they learn to manage their first phone. By involving them in the setup process and explaining why each setting is important, you'll encourage trust and help them understand that these tools are there to protect, not restrict.

Here are the essential safety settings and management tools to consider:

Basic Safety Settings

• Create a strong passcode: Use a secure password and, if available, enable fingerprint or face recognition. This protects the phone from being accessed by others.
• Turn on "Find My Phone": Enable tools like Apple's "Find My" feature or Google's "Find My Device" to locate a lost phone or prevent unauthorized access.
• Set up automatic backups: Ensure important data, like contacts and photos, are saved to the cloud in case of damage or loss.
• Enable automatic updates: Keep the phone secure with regular software updates that include the latest security patches.

Content & App Controls

• Use parental controls: Activate built-in tools like Screen Time on iPhones or Family Link on Android. These allow you to set time limits, block certain apps, and restrict web content.
• Set content filters: Use settings to limit access to explicit content in music, videos, and apps.
• Review app permissions: Go into the settings of each app to control what data they can access, like location or contacts.
• Disable in-app purchases: Prevent unexpected charges by requiring approval for purchases through Apple or Google.

Screen Time Management

• Set daily time limits: Use your phone's built-in screen time settings (like Screen Time on iOS or Digital Wellbeing on Android) to cap the total amount of time your child can spend on their phone daily.
• Schedule downtime: Activate tools to block access during bedtime, school hours, or meals. Features like Downtime (on iOS), Focus Mode (on Android), or parental control apps can help create these boundaries.
• App-specific time limits: Both iOS and Android allow you to set time limits for individual apps. This is especially useful for social media, games, or streaming apps.
• Require app approval: Use parental controls to require approval for new downloads. If this isn't built-in on your device, third-party solutions can help you monitor app usage.

Communication Safety

• Help manage their contact list: Only allow pre-approved contacts, like family and close friends. Encourage a discussion about who they want to stay connected with and why.
• Set up message filters: On many devices, you can enable features in settings to automatically filter out unknown senders, spam, or potentially harmful content.
• Discuss healthy communication: Role-play scenarios where someone they don't know tries to reach out. Ask, "What would you do if someone you didn't know sent you a message?" Show them how to block, report, and disengage from unwanted communication on both the phone and apps.

Location Services

• Share location safely: Use tools like Find My Family to share locations with trusted people only.
• Review app permissions: Disable location access for apps that don't need it.
• Turn off photo location tagging: Prevent locations from being added to photos before they're shared.

Notification Settings

• Turn off unnecessary notifications: Reduce distractions by disabling alerts for games or promotional messages. This is under the Settings menu on most devices.
• Enable "Do Not Disturb" mode: Schedule quiet times to help your child focus or get uninterrupted sleep. These settings are typically found in the phone's Sound & Notifications or Focus Modes sections.

For more detailed information on setting up safety and privacy controls, check out our Parents' Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls. If your device doesn't include some of the settings mentioned here, you can explore monitoring tools like Bark, Aura, or Qustodio. These tools offer features like screen time management, app monitoring, and content filtering. However, keep in mind that these are paid services, so it's important to evaluate if they fit your family's needs and budget.

How Do I Keep Up With My Child's Device Use?

After setting up safety controls and family agreements, staying involved is key to ensuring your child's first phone becomes a tool for growth and responsibility—not stress or harm. Regular check-ins, thoughtful adjustments, and ongoing conversations can help maintain a healthy balance.

Keep Communication Open

Make conversations about phone use a natural part of your routine rather than formal check-ins that feel like interrogations. Ask casual questions about what they're enjoying or if they've run into anything confusing online. This relaxed approach fosters trust and keeps the lines of communication open without creating unnecessary pressure.

Managing Safety Tools

Parental controls should evolve as your child grows. Adjust limits, update settings for new apps, and use monitoring tools as opportunities to guide discussions rather than just enforce rules. When you see your child making smart and safe decisions, take time to praise their efforts, like coming to you about something that made them uncomfortable. Affirming their positive choices builds confidence and reinforces their ability to manage their phone responsibly

Build Trust Through Transparency

Building trust means involving your child in decisions about their phone use and being open about your own experiences. Review screen time reports together to encourage reflection, and explain why certain filters or permissions exist to frame them as tools for safety, not punishment. Share your own challenges with managing phone habits to normalize the conversation and create a judgment-free space. Celebrate your digital wins together.

Support Healthy Habits

Help your child strike a balance between screen time and offline activities. Encourage them to take breaks, reflect on how certain apps affect their mood, and think critically before posting or sharing. By focusing on purposeful tech use, they can develop a healthier relationship with their phone.

Key Concerns and Solutions

How do I handle my child constantly asking for a phone?

When kids see their friends getting phones, the pressure to keep up can feel overwhelming—not just for them, but for parents and caregivers too. Instead of shutting down the conversation or giving in right away, use this moment as an opportunity to talk about how every family has different rules and circumstances. It's also a valuable way to teach your child about managing comparisons, making thoughtful decisions, and building healthy habits around technology together.

What to Watch For:

• Emotional manipulation ("Everyone has one!"). Watch for repeated comparisons to peers or attempts to make parents feel guilty about their choice.
• Signs your child feels socially excluded. This can be especially challenging during school transitions or when friend groups are shifting.
• Peer pressure. Both direct pressure from friends and indirect pressure when kids discuss apps, games, or social media that require phones. This often intensifies in later elementary and middle school years.
• Signs of social anxiety. Withdrawing from social situations, making excuses to avoid gatherings where phone communication is expected, or showing increased worry about missing out.

What You Can Do:

• Have proactive, ongoing conversations rather than dismissing requests. Validate their feelings while explaining your reasoning.
• Work together to create a "phone readiness plan" with clear steps that help your child build responsibility and digital skills along the way.
• Consider interim options like basic phones, smartwatches, or supervised use of shared family devices to ease into the responsibilities of owning a personal device.
• Focus discussions on skill-building rather than age. Emphasize what specific abilities and behaviors demonstrate readiness.

How can I prevent my child from becoming overly reliant on their phone?

Many tweens and teens feel attached to their phones but don't always know how to set boundaries on their own. Over two-thirds of teens report difficulty stopping phone use, and many use their devices to escape negative feelings. Parents can help by guiding healthy phone habits, starting with open conversations and gradual strategies that encourage balance and self-regulation. Starting healthy habits early helps prevent phone dependence and ensure that phones complement their lives rather than control them.

What to Watch For:

• Checking the phone immediately upon waking: Kids who grab their phones first thing in the morning may be forming dependency patterns.
• Difficulty completing tasks without phone breaks: Frequent phone use during tasks like homework or chores can signal a struggling attention span or growing reliance.
• Anxiety when separated from the device: Feeling stressed or upset when the phone isn't nearby could indicate emotional dependence.
• Decreased interest in non-phone activities: Choosing screens over hobbies, sports, or family time might impact their social development.
• Using the phone to avoid emotions or problems: Turning to a device instead of dealing with challenges can disrupt emotional resilience.

What You Can Do:

• Set up phone-free zones and times: Establish rules for no-phone times during meals, bedtime, and homework. Explain that these breaks help them focus, rest, and connect with others without distractions.
• Use built-in screen time tools: Together with your child, use features like Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to monitor their usage. Adjust app limits and downtime schedules collaboratively to involve them in managing their habits.
• Help them identify phone-checking triggers: Encourage them to notice patterns, such as checking their phone out of boredom or stress, and brainstorm alternative responses like taking a walk, writing, drawing, or talking to a friend.
• Teach mindful usage: Have them ask themselves, "Why am I picking up my phone right now?" Helping them pause before using their phone can reduce impulsive checking.
• Model healthy phone habits yourself: Demonstrate balance by setting limits on your own use. For example, try not to check emails during family meals or bring your phone to bed.
• Practice taking short "digital breaks" together.

What if my child misuses their phone or breaks the rules we've set?

It's expected for kids to test boundaries as they learn how to use their first phone. The key is to respond calmly and constructively. Clear consequences paired with open communication can help your child learn from their mistakes while maintaining trust and encouraging better decision-making.

What to Watch For:

• Hiding or being secretive about phone use: For example, quickly closing apps when approached or deleting messages.
• Downloading unauthorized apps: Check their phone periodically (with their knowledge) for unfamiliar apps or ask them about any new apps they're using.
• Going over agreed time limits: Review screen time reports through your phone's parental controls or notice if they seem unusually tired or distracted during key times, like mornings or after homework.
• Breaking school phone policies: If the school communicates about phone-related issues, or if you notice them frequently texting during school hours, it may be worth a conversation.

What You Can Do:

• Address violations promptly but calmly: Avoid escalating the situation. Instead, have a conversation about what happened and why it's a concern. For instance, "I noticed you stayed up late on your phone. Can we talk about what kept you on it?"
• Use natural consequences when possible: If a rule is broken, a logical outcome might be limiting certain privileges, like taking away specific apps rather than the entire phone.
• Focus on rebuilding trust through transparency: Encourage your child to come to you when they make mistakes by being approachable and understanding. Highlight their positive actions alongside constructive feedback.
• Help them understand the "why": Kids are more likely to follow rules when they understand their purpose. For instance, explain how late-night use affects sleep and concentration, rather than just saying, "No phones after 10 p.m."

What do I do if my child uses their phone to avoid responsibilities like homework or chores?

Phones can be an easy distraction for kids, especially when they're facing tasks they find boring, difficult or overwhelming. Many kids may not even realize how often they reach for their phone during responsibilities, making it important to set clear boundaries and encourage focus.

What to Watch For:

• Last-minute homework completion: Notice if your child frequently rushes to finish assignments right before deadlines or seems stressed during homework time.
• Chores left undone or poorly done: Tasks might be skipped or completed with minimal effort, especially when a phone is nearby.
• Notification checking during tasks: If you hear constant pings or see them pausing work to check their phone, this could be a sign of distraction.
• Making excuses to check the phone: Statements like "I just need to check something quickly" or disappearing into the bathroom or outside with their phone.

What You Can Do:

• Create a "park your phone" station: Designate a spot for phones during homework or chore time. Make it a shared family practice so kids feel it's not just about them.
• Use timers for structured breaks: Encourage focus by setting timers (for example, 25 minutes of work followed by a five-minute phone break).
• Use phone features like Focus modes: Teach your child to set Focus or Do Not Disturb modes during work times to minimize distractions.
• Teach time management skills: Work together to create schedules that balance responsibilities and leisure, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing tasks.

Age-by-Age Considerations

Older Kids (7–9)

What to Expect:

Kids at this stage are building responsibility skills and need consistent support when it comes to technology. They may look up to peers, parents or older siblings and want to use phones like them, but they often struggle with managing their impulses and understanding the basics of online safety. Self-regulating screen time and distinguishing between real life and virtual experiences can be tough, so they'll rely on you to help guide their use.

Safety Approach:

• Use basic devices with limited features
• Set up clear, simple boundaries (no devices at meals, bedtime)
• Supervise all online interactions
• Practice basic digital skills on family devices
• Focus on physical device care habits
• Create visual schedules for device time
• Use kid-friendly parental controls

Conversation Starters:

• Explore their understanding of responsibility. "What do you think makes someone ready to take care of their own device?"
• Help them recognize their own reactions. "How do you feel when you need to take breaks from screens?"
• Activity: Create a "Device Driver's License" together. List basic skills they can practice on family devices (like remembering to charge, keeping track of time, using kind language) and "earn" checkmarks toward device readiness.

Ages 10–12

What to Expect:

Tweens are becoming more social and tech-savvy, which can make owning a phone feel like a must-have for staying connected. Peer pressure often ramps up as phones play a bigger role in friendships and social status. While tweens are starting to grasp digital safety rules, they may still test boundaries and need guidance to manage their use. With growing academic demands involving more tech, they'll need support in balancing schoolwork, screen time, and healthy habits.

Safety Approach:

• Start with basic smartphones or supervised devices
• Implement essential safety features
• Teach critical thinking about content and privacy
• Establish clear expectations with input from tween
• Balance monitoring with growing independence
• Focus on developing healthy habits over strict control

Conversation Starters:

• Explore their observations of healthy and unhealthy habits. "What do you notice about how different friends use their phones? How do adults in your life use their phones?"
• Discuss priorities and boundaries. "What would you want to use a phone for most? What would it add to your life? What could it take?"
• Activity: Create a "Digital Values Blueprint" together. Help them identify their goals for device use and brainstorm strategies to maintain those values when challenges arise.

Ages 13–15

What to Expect:

Teens view phones as vital for both their social lives and academic responsibilities. While they're gaining a better understanding of digital citizenship, their desire for independence often leads them to push back against monitoring. Social media and messaging apps become key ways to stay connected with friends, and schoolwork increasingly relies on devices. They're starting to recognize the importance of their digital footprint but still need support navigating the long-term impact of their online choices.

Safety Approach:

• Focus on building trust and open dialogue
• Shift from controlling to coaching
• Emphasize critical thinking and judgment
• Teach self-monitoring strategies
• Maintain basic safety boundaries
• Address risky behavior promptly but calmly

Conversation Starters:

• Explore digital footprint awareness. "How do you decide what's worth sharing online?"
• Discuss peer pressure and solutions. "What challenges do you see your friends facing with phones?"
• Activity: Develop a "Digital Wellness Plan" together. Help them create personalized strategies for managing screen time, social media, and online boundaries based on their goals and values.

Making It Work Long-Term

A first phone marks an important step in your child's journey toward digital independence, but it's just that - a journey. Think of this guide as your roadmap, ready whenever you need to check your bearings or adjust course. Expect and accept the bumps along the way - they're natural parts of learning, not signs of failure. The key is maintaining open dialogue and adjusting your approach as your child grows or situations change.

• Return to age guidelines as your child matures
• Trust your instincts, you know your child best
• Stay curious about their digital world
• Focus on progress over perfection

Remember that the goal isn't perfect compliance with rules, but helping your child develop healthy, responsible tech habits that will serve them well into adulthood. Stay flexible, keep communications open, and focus on progress rather than perfection.