What age should kids get their first phone?
Since phones have been around, there have been controversial conversations about how old someone should be when they get their first phone. Many believe that 13 is the right age, others think younger while some think older and a few believe it should be based on maturity levels. What is the right answer?
Well, there are many different factors that go into the decision of when your child should get their first phone. Asking yourself questions like, "does my child need a phone" or "are they responsible enough for one" is a good start. Thinking about what they would use it for, how it could come in handy in emergencies and if they would take proper care for it.
All of this also depends on each child's level of understanding, how focused they are and how independent they are. Does your child walk home alone from school? Will they get distracted from school? Will they loose it or break it as soon as they get it?
Furthermore, for many social media apps you have to be at least 13 years old to join. If you get your child a phone before then, would they use it to join social media behind your back? Are they aware of the dangers of it?
There is so much that can happen no matter what age they get their phone, but it is your choice that matters in the end. Do you think your 9 year old who stays home by themself sometimes should have one just in case, or are they too young? What about your 14year old that was promised a phone for years but still hasn't gotten one because you don't trust them?
So, to be honest, it all depends on how the child is and what their situation is. Big decisions like these can not just be based off age alone.
Sources:
https://www.safewise.com/what-age-should-kids-get-a-phone/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Pew%20Research,ages%20of%2012%20and%2014.&text=About%2028%25%20of%20parents%20wait,9%20have%20their%20own%20phones.
https://www.familyeducation.com/kids/when-should-kids-get-a-cellphone-6-questions-to-ask
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