At what age should my child get a smartphone?

About 50% of children are carrying a smartphone by age 11, but some people feel this is too young. Wait Until 8th, a parent-based grassroots movement in the U.S., recommends waiting until the end of Grade 8 (or age 14). So does a similar movement based in England.    

Experts do not agree on the optimal age for children to have a smartphone, but later is usually better because older, more mature children can learn to use a phone responsibly. The decision also depends on whether a child needs a phone for safety or medical reasons.   

When trying to determine if your child is ready for a smartphone, consider if they are:

• Easily distracted. Do they treat belongings carefully or lose track of things quickly?
• Impulsive, or do they take time to make decisions?
• Skilled at reading social cues. For example, do they recognize when to respond to or withdraw from interacting? Or do they struggle socially?
• Tech savvy. For example, do they understand that once something is on the internet, it is extremely difficult to remove?
• Responsive to and compliant with limit-setting. If they struggle with limits on other devices, controlling smartphone use will be difficult.
• Sensitive to what causes hurt or harm online, and aware that such behaviour can be a crime. 

Before getting their first phone, negotiate a contract with your child (template provided). A formal agreement can help children, teens (and parents) use phones in a way that is more intentional and responsible.