Giving kids smartphones: How early is too early?

By the time kids are in middle school, they are frequently pleading with their parents for a phone. However, how can you tell when and whether your youngster is prepared to take on the role? And what can they do on that phone without risk? 

Although most parents don’t want their late elementary or early middle school children to spend too much time on social media and the internet, you might want your fourth grader to have a phone so they can stay in contact with you and their friends. Your child’s maturity level and age will determine whether or not they are ready for a phone. Do they frequently misplace items? Are they likely to make regrettable statements or actions?

The debate surrounding when to give kids smartphones is a hot topic among parents, educators, and child development experts. The risks of screen addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, and its impact on mental health leave parents questioning the right age for kids to own these devices. 

Here’s a breakdown of the arguments on both sides of the debate and insights to help parents make informed decisions.

Click here to download Applatch Kids on Appstore, Amazon Appstore and Google Playstore.

The Pros of Giving Smartphones to Kids Early

“Over 90% of older teens have a phone,” says Candice Odgers, professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, in the US. According to data from Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, the vast majority of children in the UK own a smartphone by the age of 11, with ownership rising from 44% at age nine to 91% at age eleven. In the US, 37% of parents of children aged nine to eleven say their child has their own smartphone, and 80% of children aged nine to sixteen reported using a smartphone to go online daily or nearly daily.

Sonia Livingstone, a social psychology professor at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom and co-author of the book Parenting for a Digital Future, says, “Imagine you are a teenager worried that puberty is going wrong, or your sexuality isn’t the same as your friends, or worried about climate change when the adults around you are bored with it.” The majority of the time, however, children use their phones to communicate with friends and family. “If you actually analyze who kids are talking to online […] there’s a very strong overlap with their offline network,” says Odgers. “I believe this entire idea that we’re losing a kid in isolation to the phone – for some kids, that might be a real but not a definite concern. Some of the reasons why smartphones might be helpful for their development, according to her, include

1. Enhanced Communication and Safety
   One of the primary reasons parents consider smartphones for young kids is safety. Smartphones allow parents to stay connected with their children through calls, texts, or GPS tracking, especially during emergencies or when kids travel independently.
   
2. Access to Educational Resources
   Smartphones can be a gateway to learning apps, educational videos, and interactive games that promote skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. Apps like Applatch Kids can introduce kids to these quizzes and educational resources early, which can help foster learning habits.
   
3. Digital Literacy Development
   Growing up in a digital world demands technological fluency. Allowing kids to handle smartphones early enables them to develop essential tech skills.
   

The Cons of Early Smartphone Ownership.

1. Screen Time and Health Risks
   Prolonged use of smartphones can lead to eye strain, sleep disturbances, and a sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, early exposure to screens can interfere with the development of interpersonal skills.
   
2. Exposure to Inappropriate Content
   Despite parental controls, the internet is vast and not entirely foolproof. Early access to smartphones increases the chances of kids encountering harmful or inappropriate content.
   
3. Addiction and Reduced Attention Span
   Gaming apps, social media, and instant messaging can make kids addicted to their devices, impairing their focus on studies and hobbies.
   

What Experts Say About the Ideal Age

Child psychologists and technology experts suggest waiting until kids are at least 12-14 years old before introducing a fully functional smartphone. Before this age, children may not have the emotional maturity to navigate challenges like cyberbullying, online scams, or managing screen time responsibly.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 17,000 participants between the ages of 10 and 21 and discovered that higher use of social media at ages 11 to 13 for girls and 14 to 15 for boys predicted lower life satisfaction a year later, and vice versa: lower use of social media at this age predicted higher life satisfaction the following year. The researchers say this is consistent with the fact that girls typically experience puberty earlier than boys, but there isn’t enough evidence to conclude that this is the reason for the timing discrepancy.

According to Common Sense Media, 42 percent of children have a phone by the time they are in middle school, 71 percent by the time they are twelve, and 91 percent by the time they are fourteen. Max Stossel, the founder and CEO of Social Awakening, a group that advocates for social media and technology use in a healthy way, advises parents to refrain from giving their children smartphones until at least the eighth grade. Wait Until 8th is a parent organization that helps parents in a school community come together by pledging not to give their children smartphones until they are in the eighth grade.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends creating a “Family Media Plan” to guide smartphone usage. Parents are encouraged to introduce limited-function devices like basic phones to foster communication without exposing kids to distractions from social media and games.

Factors to Consider When Making the Decision

1. Child’s Maturity Level
   Is your child capable of understanding the responsibilities associated with smartphone usage, such as handling personal data and adhering to limits?
   
2. Purpose of the Smartphone
   Is the phone for emergencies, schoolwork, or entertainment? Understanding the primary need can help guide your decision.
   
3. Parental Supervision
   If parents are prepared to enforce rules and monitor their child’s smartphone usage, they can better address the challenges of early access.
   
4. Social Pressure and Peers
   While some parents give in to the fear of their child being “left out,” it’s crucial to check if this is the sole reason for providing a smartphone.
   

Conclusion

Deciding when to give your child a smartphone is a personal choice that depends on their maturity, your parenting style, and your household rules. Start small by introducing a basic phone or tablet with limited access to help them learn responsible usage. Setting boundaries, using parental controls, and engaging in open conversations about digital safety are essential.

Ultimately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to how early is too early for smartphones. The focus should be on empowering kids with the right tools to navigate the digital world while ensuring their well-being.

Click here to download Applatch Kids on Appstore, Amazon Appstore and Google Playstore.

FAQs

1. Is age 10 too early for a smartphone?
Age 10 can be early, but it depends on your child’s maturity and needs. Consider a limited-function device or implementing strict parental controls.

2. What are alternatives to smartphones for young kids?
Kids’ smartwatches or basic feature phones can provide communication features without excessive screen time or exposure to apps.

3. How can parents control kids’ smartphone use?
Utilize parental controls, set screen time limits, and have regular discussions about online safety and responsible use.

Click here to download Applatch Kids on Appstore, Amazon Appstore and Google Playstore.