The right age to give kids their first cell phone is really up to parents. Age isn't as important a kid's maturity level, ability to follow home (and their schools') rules and their sense of responsibility.
But when you hand your children cell phones, you're giving them powerful communication and media-production tools. They can create text, images, and videos that can be widely distributed and uploaded to websites instantly. Parents really need to consider whether their kids are ready to use their phones responsibly and respectfully. If you think your kids' technological savvy is greater than their ability to use it wisely, pay attention to the gap. You may need to say, "No, not yet." But here are some questions to consider:
But when you hand your children cell phones, you're giving them powerful communication and media-production tools. They can create text, images, and videos that can be widely distributed and uploaded to websites instantly. Parents really need to consider whether their kids are ready to use their phones responsibly and respectfully. If you think your kids' technological savvy is greater than their ability to use it wisely, pay attention to the gap. You may need to say, "No, not yet." But here are some questions to consider:
Do your kids show a sense of responsibility, such as letting you know when they leave the house? Do they show up when they say they will?
Do your kids tend to lose things, such as backpacks or homework folders? If so, expect they might lose an (expensive!) phone, too.
Do your kids need to be in touch for safety reasons?
Would having easy access to friends benefit them for social reasons?
Do you think they'll use cell phones responsibly, for example, not texting during class or disturbing others with their phone conversations?
Can they adhere to limits you set for minutes talked and apps downloaded?
Will they use text, photo, and video functions responsibly and not to embarrass or harass others?
What do you think is the right age for parents to get kids a cell phone?
some kids comments;
Teen, 13 years old January 3, 2018:
The age a child should get a phone depends on the child. If your child displays lots of maturities and you believe they will do the same with a phone, you can get them one. If not, then wait. With me, I was the type of kid that had frequent meltdowns when I was younger, and I displayed maturity at times but it was inconsistent. Eventually, I realised I needed to grow up, and I picked up my game. After that, my dad told me he thought I was mature enough to have a phone. You, as a parent, should do the same. Wait until they are consistently displaying maturity and until they have proven they will do the same with phones. I got a phone at age 12, but some people got one earlier and some are older than that and still don’t have one.
Teen,1 3 years old January 6, 2018:
Here is a good criterion set: Ask yourself: “Is my child/teen involved in a lot of afterschool activities?”, or “Am I away from home a lot?” If this is so, you may want to get your child a phone for safety. Another thing you should ask yourself is: “Has my child/teen displaying maturity, are their grades good, can they complete tasks?” If they exhibit the traits you have been pondering, a phone could be an option. Another thing to consider is “How can a phone affect their overall life (for the better or worse)?” By using these criteria, you can properly consider if they deserve a phone. You don’t have to get them the latest model (I got my first phone a few weeks ago and it was an iPhone 6S), as long as it can use the latest (or previous) version of whatever it runs. However, if you give them a phone your previously owned, and it is an iPhone, consider getting a battery replacement first to make it run good (it’s only $29).
Teen, 14 years old January 2, 2018:
Hi, I'm 14 years old and don't have a phone. I'm not sure why. I'm the only one in my friend group without one, the only kid on the bus without one and one of the very few in my school that doesn't have one. Fifth graders have phones, and I don't. I get good grades and am mature. I'm not sure why. I think it depends on maturity. If you think your child can handle a phone, give him one. Not the latest iPhone X or expensive phone, maybe something a bit cheaper such as an SE or 6.
Kid, 10 years old January 6, 2018:
I have a phone and I’m under 13. I get your point but I don’t fully agree.
Teen, 15 years old December 28, 2017:
Hi, I'm Rosa. I'm am 15 years old, I don't have a phone, my parent's rule is we are not allowed to have a phone until we drive alone!!! Yes! I know it's not fun having a phone but I just haft to trust my parents know what they are doing, yes I've always wanted phone most teens make fun of me because I don't have a phone, all the kids that do have a phone be great flu for what u have and don't want newer because there are kids out there who don't even have a phone! Anyway, that's it.
Teen, 13 years old December 24, 2017:
When I was around 10 that's when I first got my official phone (which was a Blu studio energy 2) it was a little expensive but not too expensive (like around $150). But after a year of my phone is in perfect condition, my parents decided to get me an iPhone 6 plus (which was around $500 at the time) and I took good care of that to. Then around a year and a half later, I got the iPhone 7 plus (which was around $860 at the time) and then now a few months ago I got the $1,000 Galaxy note 8 (I'm 13 at this time). So my point is to start little and see how responsible they are before deciding to blow $600 on a phone because if you give a child the latest iPhone as their first phone they won't know how it's like to own a basic phone so therefore they will not appreciate the value, they might appreciate it physically but not mentally.
Teen, 13 years old December 23, 2017:
A phone doesn't get to do whatever the kid wants. I don't have a phone I am sad but hopefully, my parent understands what they're doing is unfair sister got her phone at 11 but she disrespectful still. Steal money and she's 16 but she still gets money for nails and hair. I have As and Bs do my chores respectful in class don't steal, clean without acting mad. PLUS she broke her phone about 3 to 4 times and it's an iPhone adding her other phone she lost. I got 2 tablets they broke the first one of my sister-friend broke, the second one was slow and left on the charger all night (my bad) but my parents won't let me use their phones to talk to my friend they wonder why am always in the house how am i going to contact my friend. It just not fair if they don't get one by my 14 birthday I don't know but my older sister is getting an iPhone 8 and but this whole year she lied and steal. My parents say the will punish her but they never follow through. They don't know how I feel being blocked out by my friends at lunch cause there on their phones. I babysit and walk my brother plus do everything they want with a smile. I guess it doesn't enough.
Kid, 11 years old December 18, 2017:
I still do not have a phone and I am so annoyed and mad!!!! My parents say I cannot get a phone until AT LEAST seventh grade. I feel very left out because all my friends have either a phone or an iPod touch. I have to text my friends on the family iPad, and I am barely ever allowed to, so I miss out on a lot of conversations. A phone would make me feel a lot safer! One time I was apparently supposed to be a car rider on the way home from school, and I didn't know that my mom was emailing me because I didn't get a chance to look at my computer. I was very confused when I saw my mom's car in the parking lot as my bus drove away. Luckily, someone with a PHONE was able to call my mom and sort things out. If I had had a phone, I could have called my mom myself. Here's a suggestion: make a packet with reasons why you should have a cell phone and a cell phone contract (found on www.screenagersmovie.com). That is what I am doing, and I hope it will work. Have a great day!
Parent of a 5 and 8-year-old October 13, 2017:
I'm very surprised that nobody is looking at the health implications of getting young kids a cellphone. There are some interesting and pertinent points raised about cultural, social and other implications, but the impact to kids' health and long-term effects need to be addressed, as it's potentially more important and impact-full than any of the other issues. Every legitimate study ever completed on cellphones and their effects has indicated that cell phones are dangerous for developing children, especially when they are younger and their skulls are not thick enough to shield radiation. A cell phone emits EMFs, which is another term for microwave radiation. Every time you hold one to your head, you are in danger of slowly microwaving your brain. The biggest study done on this recently in the US has determined that heavy cellphone use is detrimental to brains, especially those in developing children, and heavy cell phone use is defined as 3 hours per month!!! There are numerous studies available from other countries saying the same thing. I personally have been a heavy cellphone user for about 15 years, and earlier this year developed a massive subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain). As a result, I nearly died and was rushed to the hospital for emergency brain surgery. It was due to weakened blood vessels around my brain in the exact location of my cellphone ear, and heavy cellphone usage was determined to be the culprit by my team of Neurosurgeons. I have told my kids they will not be getting cell phones until their brains are developed and skulls are thick enough to shield most of the harmful radiation - ie: at 16 at the earliest! They are absolutely fine with it after seeing what I went through.
Teen, 13 years old October 9, 2017:
Alrighty, so this is a wee bit difficult topic to tackle. So I am a twelve-year-old and I am in seventh grade. Overall, I can say that 90% of the kids have a phone. I personally do not want to take the risk. The reason why is because I honestly don't want to mess with my digital footprint. Phones can lead to social issues if not used correctly. For example, most teens and around 65% of tweens have Facebook and Snapchat. These, if not used correctly can really impact their later life. For example, Caroline Knorr wrote in an article that colleges look at your digital footprint as a factor for your enrollment. This could really hurt students who want to be a part of the Ivy League. (I want to go to Princeton!) Also, having a phone could just get you into more trouble. For example, my uncle almost got divorced because of Facebook, so it really poses a risk. If I would recommend an age to get a phone, I would say 16. Also, if people peer pressure you to get a phone. Say that you're getting an iPhone X in a month. They'll forget about it by then. Also, if I would recommend a phone, get a one-plus 5. Dual cameras and a 1440p screen for 500 bucks. Yea!!!! Also, if you are an AP or Honor student (Like I am) watch your digital footprint. Youtube can play a big role in college enrollment if you make videos. (Like I do). Also, monitor your online chats. Don't chat about bad things. Remember, you are always being watched. So your phone is not as private as you think it is. So overall, my opinion on the minimum age for a phone is sixteen years. Share your thoughts!!!.
Teen, 13 years old October 8, 2017:
I just got to this website because I wanted to know when I am allowed to get a phone but apparently, it's my parent's decision. (RIP I have to wait till I'm 16, 3 more years).
Teen, 15 years old December 11, 2017:
you guys are all spoiled rotten. I am 16! yet I still don't have a phone.
Adult February 17, 2017:
I'm 22 I still don't have a phone, not even a brick phone my mom doesn't even let me get my own house or go with my girlfriend.i know your thinking isn't that too old to not have a phone.yes its too old to not have a phone.
