WHEN IS THE RIGHT AGE FOR A SMARTPHONE?

There’s no magic age - but there are better ways to decide.

“At what age should my child get a smartphone?”

It’s one of the questions parents and caregivers ask us most often.

The truth is, there isn’t one perfect age that works for every child. Instead of focusing only on a number, consider whether your child is ready for the responsibilities that come with having a connected device.

Before handing over a smartphone, ask yourself:

Is my child able to follow rules and boundaries around technology?
Can they manage frustration and resist the urge to constantly check a device?
Do they understand that what they do online can affect other people?
Can they come to me when something online makes them uncomfortable or confused?
Are they ready to protect personal information and make thoughtful choices about what they share?
Do they understand that online posts, photos, messages, and interactions can leave a lasting digital footprint?
Is a smartphone actually the right tool for what they need or would a simpler, less-connected device meet that need?

Diana Graber, founder of Cyber Civics and Cyberwise, explores these questions in Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology, along with practical guidance for helping children develop healthy technology habits.

WANT THE AGE-BY-AGE GUIDANCE?

Our “What’s the Right Age?” Tip Sheet provides a quick-reference guide for parents and caregivers, covering screens, devices, and social media from early childhood through the teen years.

It also includes practical questions to consider before you hand over a device, plus guidance for introducing technology gradually.

Download the Tip Sheet

IS YOUR CHILD READY?

Once you've considered the age-based guidance, use our Checklist for Parents & Guardians to think through your own family's situation.

The checklist helps you consider your child's readiness, family expectations, safety, boundaries, and your plan for managing the device together.

Download Checklist

Ages 0-12

Before you give your child their own device, take some time to introduce them to tech slowly and developmentally-appropriately. And use tech together! Check out our "Digital On-Ramps" below for some ideas on how to do this!

Ages 12 & Up

The 12-13 age range is critical when it comes to technology. First, most social media sites require young people to be at least 13 years of age to sign up. Secondly, research shows that it takes children about 12 years to fully develop the cognitive structures that enable them to engage in ethical thinking. Before 12 it's difficult, if not impossible, for children to fully grasp the impact of their actions upon others, online or otherwise. This is very important, because a child's actions online (as well as their friends' actions) will impact their digital reputations.

Teenagers, believe it or not, look to their parents more than any other source to learn how to conduct themselves online. This is an important time to talk with your teens about their online lives. And don't have just one talk; have hundreds of small talks. In fact, many advise "Replacing the 'Sex Talk with the 'Tech Talk'"