When did you let your kid get their first phone?

Jan 23·1 min read

My 11yo is literally the ONLY kid in her 6th grade class without a phone. I'm not trying to be that parent, but I genuinely don't think she needs one yet. Her friends all have iPhones and she feels left out. But then I see stuff online about kids getting addicted to TikTok and I'm like... nope.

When did you guys make the jump? What age felt right? Looking for actual experiences, not judgment either way.

5 comments73 views

Comments(5)

KKevinRegularJan 23

My 11yo got one last year and honestly it's been fine. More screen time than I'd like but at least I can track where she is after school. Might be worth considering for safety reasons.

NNeil C.RegularJan 24

We went with a basic flip phone at 11 that only called and texted. Delayed the smartphone until 13. Every kid is different though. What's driving the pressure right now?

CCarlos M.RegularJan 24

The only kid thing is tough socially but honestly her brain will thank you. 6th grade isn't that long. Maybe compromise with a basic phone for emergencies only?

JJake M.RegularJan 24

Honestly I held out till 12 with my daughter and she was fine. The social pressure is real but you're teaching her that she doesn't need what everyone else has. That's actually a valuable lesson.

AAntonioRegularJan 25

You're not being that parent. You're being a parent. Every middle school class has a few kids without phones and they figure it out. Don't give in to the peer pressure now or it never stops.

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