What age does a child need a phone?

[Beep9724]

Hi all! My son is nearly 10. He does actually have an old iPhone with no SIM card in it. He uses it to take photos and videos etc, okay games. But he cannot call or text (unless it’s face time or I message).

He’s in year 5. I mentioned to dp about getting him a phone for Christmas when he is in year 6 so he can have one for secondary September 2022. Still a little way off yet.

He says he’s too young. But aibu to think he will need one when he goes secondary school? Seems like most of them take them. The local school say they can have a phone if stays in the bottom of their bag and can be used at lunchtimes I think. A bit different to when I was at school. Phones were a total no!!

@24butfeeling80

I despise kids having smartphones. It contributes massively in cyber bullying and revenge porn. Whether that’s being the victim or perpetrator.

I have a 1yo DD and even though it’s years and years away it’s something that worries me. She’ll likely have friends who have the latest smart phone.
But I don’t want that for her. I want her to have a very basic call/text phone with child restrictions on it, no internet usage and no contract. She’ll be topped up weekly. If she uses it all then she goes without until next top up.

She’ll hate me but I want to protect her the best I can.

You have to be 14 (is it?) to have most social media platforms anyway. So they don’t need a smartphone before then anyway.

Yep, tried that in Y6. DD had several issues like not being able to check bus times when going to meet friends or Google maps. She also was excluded from social life as they all use WhatsApp as nobody in this age now text or emails. Without that you have serious issue.

In secondary they use it for homework/class issues/meets.

They use it in class, especially for arts. One of DD's friend didn't have a phone at all unitl Y8 and had serious problems, not only with social life but also with school work.

Wait until your child is in Y6 and then review your opinion.