What is an Appropriate Age For a Kid to Get a Smartphone?

In today's digital world, children are growing up in an environment where smartphones have become an essential part of daily life. It’s no secret why – smartphones provide numerous benefits, including staying connected with loved ones, accessing information, emergency calling, and GPS tracking. According to a 2023 report from Zippia, 270 million Americans, or 81.6% of the US population, own a smartphone. This represents a significant increase from 2011, when only 35% of adults reported owning a smartphone. The widespread adoption of smartphones in the US has transformed the way people communicate and interact with the world around them.

Many parents today are faced with the inevitable decision of when to give their children their first phone. Despite the many benefits, there are also potential risks associated with smartphone use, particularly for children. Some of these risks include cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, addiction to technology, and decreased face-to-face communication skills. Additionally, excessive screen time can contribute to certain health and behavioral problems in children. Check out our blog on screen time guidelines for children by age to learn more about the effects of excessive screen time and how much is too much.

Considering these potential risks of smartphone usage in kids, parents are often concerned about what is the appropriate age for a kid to get a cell phone. According to a study conducted by Common Sense Media, nearly half of children in the US receive their first smartphone by the age of 10 years old and over 90% of children own one at the age of 14. However, this does not necessarily mean that 10 is the appropriate age for a smartphone.

Factors To Consider Before Getting Your Kid A Cell Phone

Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule on the best age to get your child their own phone. Each family is unique with their own unique circumstances, needs, and values, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Here are several factors that can help you determine when your child is ready for their own smartphone:

Maturity level: Some children are more responsible and mature than others, and this should be taken into account when considering whether to give them a smartphone. If your child has a history of being responsible and making good decisions, they may be ready for a smartphone at a younger age than a child who tends to be more impulsive. That being said, most experts recommend waiting until a child is at least 11–12 years old before giving them a standard smartphone, and even at that age, it’s recommended to find an option that includes parental controls.

Need: Parents should think about the child's need for a smartphone. Do they require it for safety reasons? Emergency calling? To stay in touch with family members? Or would it be for educational purposes, such as accessing digital resources and online learning platforms? Consider whether your child really needs a smartphone and why before making the decision to purchase.

Safety concerns: Smartphones give children access to the internet and social media, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Parents should consider whether their child is mature enough to handle the potential risks associated with online activity, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online predators.

What The Experts Say

If you've considered your child's maturity level, reasons why they require a phone, and the safety issues associated with phone usage, but you still haven't decided whether to give them a smartphone, you may want to look at what experts have to say on the matter.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should wait until their child is at least 13 years old before giving them a smartphone. Experts believe waiting until age 13 or later can help reduce the risk of negative effects associated with excessive screen time, such as decreased academic performance, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased risk of depression and anxiety.

This is because many children at this age have developed the cognitive and social-emotional skills necessary to navigate the online world responsibly. They are also better equipped to understand and follow the rules and guidelines set by their parents for smartphone use. Additionally, children at this age may have greater autonomy and independence, and a smartphone can be a useful tool for staying in touch with parents and caregivers while away from home. However, it's important to note that every child is different, and parents should make the decision based on their individual child's maturity level, needs, and circumstances.

Whenever you decide to give your child a smartphone, it's important to monitor your child's smartphone use and to set clear rules and boundaries to ensure that your child uses their device responsibly. Parents should establish clear rules and guidelines for smartphone use, such as time limits and monitoring apps, and regularly discuss online safety and responsible use with your child.

Alternatives To Smartphones For Kids

If you don’t feel it’s the right time or necessary for your child to have a smartphone, or you are worried about the risks, there are alternatives to smartphones for kids that parents can consider. Basic phones without internet access or a smartphone's extensive features may be more suitable for kids who only require a phone for emergency situations. These phones can still provide a sense of safety and security without exposing children to the potential risks of smartphones.

An even better option is a smartwatch designed specifically for children, without internet or games. These watches allow parents to stay in contact with their children without worrying about the responsibility of a full-fledged smartphone. Children can use them to make calls and send texts, but without the temptation of internet access or games that can distract them from their studies or other activities. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, smartwatches can also be effective in promoting physical activity and reducing screen time in children. Additionally, these watches can help children establish healthy habits and routines by reminding them to drink water, take breaks from sitting, and get enough sleep.

The SoyMomo Space 2.0 is an excellent option for parents who want to stay in contact with their children without the worry of a real smartphone. This smartwatch has calling and messaging capabilities, GPS tracking, and an SOS button for emergencies. It also has activity tracking features and allows parents to set limits on screen time.

In conclusion, the appropriate age for a smartphone for kids varies depending on the child's maturity level and the purpose of the phone. Parents can consider alternatives like basic phones or smartwatches without internet or games to provide children with a sense of safety and security without exposing them to potential risks. For parents who want to stay connected with their children while promoting healthy habits and routines, the SoyMomo Space 2.0 is an excellent option.