WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO LET YOUR CHILDREN HAVE CELL PHONES?
As smartphones become more ingrained in daily life, the decision of when to give your child their first cell phone becomes a significant debatable parenting milestone moment.
To help parents navigate the debate, the experts weigh-in on when is the right time to let your children have cell phones.
While cell phones provide convenience, safety, and learning opportunities, they also bring to the forefront a myriad of challenges such as digital addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content, maturity levels, and the ability to manage the device responsibility.
“It’s not about a specific age, but about the readiness of the child and how well they can handle the challenges that come with owning a phone,” Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental pediatrician at the University of Michigan said in a previous interview.
She continued, “As kids grow, they develop skills for managing boundaries and understanding digital spaces, which are essential for safe phone use.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should assess their child’s maturity and the specific needs they have for a phone. However, the AAP also warns that mobile phones can impact children’s well-being if not used properly.
“While technology can be a tool for learning, it’s essential to consider the mental and emotional health of children who are using phones,” Dr. Radesky commented.
Statistics from the Pew Research Center reveal a growing concern among parents regarding the timing of phone ownership. A 2022 study showed that 45% of teenagers feel addicted to their devices, while 70% of parents worry about their child’s screen time (Pew Research Center, 2022). This reinforces the need for parents to make informed decisions and establish healthy habits early on in regard to when they will give their children their own cell phones.
One growing trend to ease children into being a cell phone owner is the “starter phone”—a device that allows for basic communication, yet it limits internet access and app downloads.
“Starter phones can help children get used to the responsibility of owning a device without the distractions and dangers that come with full internet access,” Cyber expert Dr. Sameer Hinduja, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center said. Starter phones provide a balance between safety and the realities of digital life.
Nick Cannon gave his twins cell phones at the age of 10. In a recent interview with Women’s Health, Alicia Dixon said that she refused to let her children, ages 11 and five, have cell phones.
In the end, the right time to give a child a cell phone will vary by family and it is up to the parent to assess and ensure that their child is ready to be a responsible cell phone owner.
