What Age Should Kids Get a Phone?

If you’ve found yourself wondering, ‘What age should my child get a phone?’, you’re not alone. Although it’s a commonly asked question, it’s safe to say that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Every family is different, and what matters most isn’t the birthday on the calendar, but your child’s maturity, your safety needs, and your family values. Having said that, there are a few signposts, such as age trends and independence needs, to guide your decision.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common reasons parents consider a phone, what the research says about average ages, the key factors to weigh up, and the pros and cons. On top of that, we’ll offer practical tips for setting boundaries and a simple way to choose a great first phone. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Why Parents Consider Giving Kids a Phone

Some of the most common reasons parents consider giving their kids a phone include:

Safety and emergency contact: Being able to reach your child (and for them to reach you) offers you peace of mind. A quick call or text when plans change due to a missed bus or an after-school hiccup can be a lifesaver. Plus, SOS features on basic phones add an extra layer of security.

Independence and logistics: Phones can support growing freedom, allowing kids to walk home or catch public transport to and from sport and music practice, social activities or part-time jobs. Simple check-ins through texts or calls can help you coordinate pickups and keep everyone on the same page.

Social connection: As kids get older, connecting with friends becomes a big part of their world. Messaging and calls can help them build friendships and feel included.

Learning and digital skills: With the right guardrails, phones can help children access educational apps and school portals, and develop digital literacy – skills they’ll need through high school and beyond. Many schools also use apps for notices, excursions, and timetable changes.

What is the Average Age Kids Get Their First Phone?

There’s no official “right” age, but the trend is clear: many children get their first phone in late primary or the early years of secondary school (roughly ages 10-12). In the UK, for instance, by age 11, nine in ten children own their own mobile phone, showing how quickly ownership ramps up around the transition to secondary school. In Australia, nationwide data show ownership building steadily through the primary years: in 2020, one in three children aged 6–13 already owned the phone they used, with usage and ownership rising sharply with age. Globally, access continues climbing through early adolescence. In the U.S., 95% of teens (13–17) report access to a smartphone, which mirrors what many parents see by early high school: access is nearly universal among peers. So, while many families choose the 10–12 window, the best guide is still your child’s readiness and your family’s needs.

Factors to Consider Before Giving Your Child a Phone

Here are some of the key factors to consider before giving your child a phone:

Maturity and responsibility: Can your child follow family rules? Keep track of belongings? Ask for help when something goes wrong online? These habits matter more than age.

School rules and restrictions: Many Australian schools require phones to be stored away during the day. That means your child may not be able to use the phone between the bell and pickup, which can affect the model you choose and how you set expectations. We recommend checking your school’s policy. In addition, some states publish guidance and “away for the day” rules for all public schools.

Safety needs: Does your child travel independently? Move between homes? Have health needs? If coordination and check-ins are frequent, even a simple call-and-text device can help.

Financial responsibility: Kids lose things, and that includes phones. Consider prepaid vs postpaid, repair/replacement costs, cases and screen protectors, and whether you want a low-cost starter device before stepping up later.

Your tech comfort: Are you comfortable setting up parental controls, contact lists, and app permissions? If not, start with a device that keeps it simple and build up over time.

Pros and Cons of Kids Having Phones

Some of the pros of kids having a phone are:

Safety & contact. Fast check-ins, emergency calling, and location sharing (if you choose).
Independence. Supports growing freedom, after-school logistics, and accountability.
Learning & organisation. School apps, calendars, study tools, and digital literacy.
Belonging. Staying connected with friends and teams, especially during transitions.

Meanwhile, cons of kids having a phone include:

Screen time & distraction. Phones can distract from homework, chores, and sleep if not managed.
Cyberbullying & online risks. Messaging and social apps need coaching and oversight.
Sleep disruption. Blue light and late-night chats can push bedtimes later.
Social pressure. Likes, streaks, and feeds can create comparison and anxiety, especially on social media.
Cost & breakage. Replacements, repairs, and data overages add up.

None of these cons are necessarily deal-breakers. Instead, they’re signals to start with the right device, set clear rules, and adjust as your child shows responsibility.

Setting Boundaries for Your Child’s First Phone

If you’re wondering how to set boundaries with your child’s first phone, start by creating simple family phone rules: Keep them short, visible, and consistent. A few ideas to get started include:

Bedtime: Phone on the kitchen bench by a specific time; no devices in bedrooms overnight.
Study: Phone stays in another room during homework.
Meals and moments: No phones at dinner, family time, or when guests visit.
Sharing: No posting photos of others without permission; ask a parent before sharing personal info.
Respect: Be kind in messages; if something feels off, show a parent.

Use screen-time limits that match age: You don’t necessarily need to micromanage minutes, but you do want healthy rhythms: after school, after chores, off before bed. Most devices let you set daily limits and app timers.

Turn on parental controls: You may opt to start with a tight setup, then loosen as trust grows. Content filters, app approvals, and contact-only messaging are great for beginners. The Australian eSafety Commissioner has clear, step-by-step guidance and webinars for parents on using parental controls effectively.

Teach responsible online behaviour: We recommend talking early and often about privacy, kindness, scams, in-app purchases, and what to do if they see something upsetting. It’s best to agree on what’s okay to download and who they can talk to. On top of that, role-play tricky scenarios so your child knows how to exit and ask for help.

Lead by example: Kids copy what we do. If they see you putting your phone away during meals and bedtime, they’ll learn to do the same.

Write a “first phone” agreement: Write up a document that is clear, positive, and signed by everyone. Revise it as your child shows they’re ready for more independence.

Best First Phone Options for Kids

When you’re starting out, keep it simple. Two good pathways:

Entry-level kids’ phones (call, text, and safety first).
These are built for the essentials, with thoughtful safeguards:

Call and text only to trusted contacts you approve, using a whitelist so no unsolicited calls get through.
A one-touch SOS button that shares the phone’s GPS location.
Real-time location and optional location history, with geo-fenced safe zones that alert you when your child enters or leaves places like school or home.
No camera by design, as well as screen-time locks and app-blocking, so the focus stays on safety and routines.

This is a great fit for children who need simple contact and check-ins, but aren’t ready for the complexity of a full smartphone.

(2) Beginner smartphones.
When your child has shown responsibility with a basic phone, a starter smartphone can make sense. Look for:

Built-in parental controls that let you approve apps, set age ratings, and manage contacts.
Screen-time tools (daily limits, downtime, app timers) you can adjust as your child matures.
Simple camera and storage for school projects and family photos.
Affordable hardware with a protective case and screen protector, because accidents happen.

Think of this as a gradual introduction: start with messaging, calls, and school apps; add new capabilities slowly and with clear rules. If something goes sideways, you can always step back.

Making the Right Decision for Your Family

As we’ve discussed, there’s no universal rule about the “right” age for a first phone.. Some families wait; others start early with a limited device and clear guardrails. Both choices can be right. If you decide it’s time, start small, set expectations, and keep the conversation open. When your child shows they can follow the rules, you can add more freedom together.Ready to explore?
Discover Opel Mobile’s safe, affordable options for children’s first phones and find a device that grows with your family.