When did you let your kid get their first phone?

Nov 271 min read

Poll basically - what age and what kind? My 10yo is begging for one because apparently she's the ONLY one in her class without a phone (doubt it but whatever). I'm thinking maybe 12-13 with a basic Android and parental controls locked down hard. But honestly not sure if I'm being reasonable or overprotective. What's the general vibe with you guys? And more importantly, what made you decide on that age?

11 comments401 views

Comments(11)

RRyan M.New Dad22h ago

The parental controls thing matters more than the phone itself honestly. You can give them a phone if you're actually locked in on what they're doing.

OOscar D.New Dad4h ago

My 11yo found a way around screen time limits by just restarting the device repeatedly. Kids are weirdly tech-smart about this stuff. The only real solution is to not give them a phone until they can respect boundaries.

RRaj P.Regularjust now

You're not being unreasonable. 10 is legit too young for most kids to handle the responsibility. The social pressure is real though, that's the part that sucks.

PPat H.New Dadjust now

Apple has Screen Time (if you go iPhone), Android has Family Link. Both let you set app limits, see what they're doing, lock down what apps they can download. Google Family Link is probably easier to use honestly.

TTyler K.Regularjust now

10 is young but also depends on the kid. Some 10yos are responsible, some aren't. What's her track record with other devices/responsibilities?

PPhil K.Regular1d ago

I went 12 for my oldest and it's been fine. She knows I can see her data, knows screen time is limited, knows I'll check her phone occasionally. She was resistant but adjusted.

JJason K.New Dad3h ago

What kind of parental controls specifically? I hear about this but don't actually know what I'd be looking for.

SSteve B.Regularjust now

12-13 with basic Android and locked down parental controls is reasonable. But honestly the 'everyone has one' thing is rarely actually true. Probably like 40% have phones at that age.

KKevin P.Regular17h ago

Less about age, more about: Can she handle losing it without a meltdown? Can she remember to charge it? Does she understand privacy/consent with photos? If yes to all three, maybe she's ready earlier than 12-13.

BBenny R.Regularjust now

The "only one without a phone" claim is overblown 95% of the time. I'd verify with the actual parents before you believe her.

LLiam S.Regularjust now

12-13 with parental controls locked down is reasonable. But also understand that by 12 she might know how to disable them or get friends to help. The parental controls are more of a speed bump than a real barrier.