What is the right age to get a child a phone?

As parents, it’s a question we’re all going to ask ourselves at some point - what is the right age to get a child a mobile phone?

Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer, and there are several things that you should take into account before making this important purchase.

“When asked what the ideal age for a child to have a phone is I always caveat by firstly saying the ultimate answer is no one will know your child as well as you do,” says Dr Michele McDowell, an independent educational and child psychologist. “It is based on the child’s level of development and their capacity to manage the mass of information that they will have access to and importantly the ability to protect themselves from potential harm. 

“When we consider all these things, then the older the child is, the better.”

To help you decide when to get your child a mobile phone, we’ve produced this helpful article with everything you need to know before taking the plunge.

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Why do kids need a phone?

The first thing you need to ask yourself before parting with your hard-earned cash is why your child needs a phone in the first place.

Dr Michele McDowell said: “Think about what the main purpose of the phone is. If it is to keep in contact, maybe a smartphone does not need to be the first option. There are a range of non-smartphone options that can be used for a first phone.”

A non-smartphone, also known as a dumb phone or feature phone, is a basic mobile phone that lacks advanced features like internet browsing, app downloads, and multimedia functions. They are really only used for making and receiving phone calls, which makes them particularly good for tweens who are just starting to walk into town or to school on their own.

As kids get a bit older, phones can help them stay connected with friends, plus they can be useful for educational purposes too as there are countless apps designed to enhance learning in subjects such as maths, science, languages, and more. Smartphones are also useful for accessing bus timetables and digital payment apps, which is useful for older kids and teens as they become more independent.

“It is really important that parents feel comfortable and assured that it is the right time for their child to have a phone,” says Dr McDowell. “This can be aided by supporting their children to learn the social and emotional skills needed for interacting online, this can start long before they are actually given a mobile phone.”

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What to consider before buying a mobile phone for a child

Maturity level

The decision to give a child a mobile phone should not be based solely on age. Every child is different. Assess your child's maturity, responsibility level, and ability to follow rules. Ask yourself:

• Can they manage their time well?

• Do they understand the concept of privacy?

• Are they responsible enough to handle the device?

Dr McDowell says: “Early access to a mobile phone can mean negative content exposure, for example cyberbullying, online peer pressure, exposure to unprotected content through clicking onto additional apps. The aforementioned issues can be exacerbated when a child does not have the critical thinking skills or maturity to differentiate truth from fiction or discern what is safe in order to protect themselves.”

She added: “There seems to be a growing correlation between mobile phone use and poor mental health - their use has been associated with anxiety, low mood and depression. 

“All important reasons for ensuring your child is mature enough to start using a phone with your guidance.”

Usage guidelines

Establishing clear guidelines about phone usage from the off is crucial. Consider factors such as:

• Screen time limits

• Appropriate content

• Guidelines for social media use

• Consequences for misuse

“Before giving your child the phone, ensure that protection is put in place, for example, screen time apps, monitoring apps and perhaps consider if you need the web browser on the phone,” says Dr McDowell. “Have a range of discussions with them about age-appropriate tech use, internet safety, and discuss how they can make positive choices for themselves. These discussions can be revisited each time you agree on them having a new app or game on the phone.

“Finally, but most importantly, keep open communication with your children, underlining that there is not anything that they cannot talk about with you or tell you about.”

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Recommended ages for getting a child a phone - What do the experts say?

This summer, mobile phone provider EE launched its own age guidance for smartphone use in a drive to improve children’s digital wellbeing.

Mat Sears, Corporate Affairs Director for EE added: “While technology and connectivity have the power to transform lives, we recognise the growing complexity of smartphones can be challenging for parents and care givers. 

“They need support, which is why we are launching new guidelines on smartphone usage for under 11s, 11–13-year-olds, and 13 -16-year-olds to help them make the best choices for their children through these formative years.”

EE recommends that kids under 11 should use non-smart devices with limited capabilities, such as feature phones (dumb phones), which will allow them to make and receive texts and calls, but restrict access to social media and inappropriate content.

For children aged 11-13, EE advises that if a smartphone is to be used, they should have parental controls enabled, as well as a family-sharing app in place such as Google Family Link or Apple Family Sharing, while restricting access to social media.

EE’s guidance for 13-16-year-olds suggests smartphones are appropriate, but parental controls should be used to manage and restrict children’s access to inappropriate sites, content, and platforms. Social media access should be linked to a parent or guardian account.

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Tips for managing phone usage

Whatever you decide to do, and whatever the age of your child, here are some top tips to help manage their mobile phone usage.

1. Set boundaries: Clearly outline when and where it’s appropriate for them to use their phone. You might want to consider creating tech-free zones or times, such as during family meals. It is worth remembering that blue light from mobile screens can impact sleep quality, so you may want to think about a ban on phones before bed.

2. Educate about safety: Teach your children about online safety, including privacy settings, the importance of not sharing personal information, and recognising potential online dangers. The UK Safer Internet Centre has some great resources to help you help your child access technology in a safe and responsible way.

3. Monitor their phone use: Keep an eye on how your child uses their phone. Regularly check in on apps, messages, and their overall phone activity.

4. Encourage balanced activities: Your kids are still developing important skills, including concentration, language and emotional development. These can suffer if they spend too much time on their phones. Try and promote a balanced lifestyle by encouraging outdoor play, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions with friends.

5. Lead by example: This one is easier said than done, but modeling good phone habits yourself will show kids how to use technology responsibly and prioritise real-life interactions.

We hope this has given you food for thought when it comes to buying your child their very first mobile phone. You may also want to check out Mumsnet’s guide to screen time for children, with expert input from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

About the author

Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on toddler play, child play and outdoor play. She is a mum of two and lives in Sussex.

Laura is a freelance journalist and has written for a range of publications including The Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Big Issue, Stylist and Happiful.