My son is 10 and half his friend group has their own phones. He's asking for one constantly. My gut says no, he's too young, but I'm also not trying to make him feel like the weird kid. My wife thinks 11 or 12 is more reasonable. What's the vibe out there? When did you guys get your kids phones and do you regret it or not regret it?
We waited until 12 and by then our son was more responsible about it. The kids who got phones early in our neighborhood are the ones constantly getting them taken away by their parents anyway.
I think it depends on the kid more than the age. Some ten year olds are ready for the responsibility and some aren't. What's your son like with his current responsibilities and screen time?
Your gut is probably right. Ten feels too young honestly. None of his friends actually need their own phones yet they just want them because it's the cool thing. You don't have to cave to peer pressure on this one.
Just because his friends have them doesn't mean they should. You're the parent and your job is to make the decision that's best for your kid not for his social status. Stand firm on this.
Mine asked at ten and we said no. He's eleven now and not asking anymore. The phase passes. He found other things to do and his friends got over the fact that he doesn't have a phone. It's not as big a deal as kids think.
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We got our son one at ten but with heavy restrictions. Limited apps, screen time limits, and he had to pay for half of it with his allowance. Made him actually value it instead of just scrolling all day.