When Should a Child Get Their First Phone?

Questions to ask before buying a first phone, from daily logistics and maturity to family rules and safety.

Start with the reason

A first phone often solves a logistics problem: walking home, activities, two households or independent travel. Start with the job the phone needs to do.

Look for readiness, not a magic age

Can your child keep track of belongings, follow a routine and ask for help when something feels wrong? Those signals are more useful than a single birthday.

Agree on the rules before setup

Decide where the phone sleeps, when entertainment is allowed, what happens during school and how location sharing will be discussed.

Start simple and add freedom

The first setup does not have to be permanent. Begin with the tools and apps your child needs, then expand access as habits become reliable.