Is my child smartphone-ready? 7 questions to ask yourself

[.style-intro]We get it – that first smartphone can feel like a milestone. But before you hand one over, it’s worth pausing to ask: is my child really ready for everything that comes with it? This isn’t about holding your child back – it’s about making an informed choice with their future wellbeing in mind. These questions can help you decide whether now’s the right time – or whether it’s better to wait a little longer.[.style-intro]

1. Have you talked to your child about porn?

Brace yourself for this one: more than half of UK 11-year-olds have already seen pornography, usually by accident. Once your child has a smartphone, their first exposure to sex could come from whatever pops up in their WhatsApp groups. And we all know that porn doesn't reflect healthy, respectful relationships.

It's a tough conversation, but an important one. Before they get a device, make sure they understand what they might see, why it's often unrealistic, and that you are always here for them and ready to chat – no matter what.

2. Have you discussed grooming and sextortion?

The fastest-growing online scam targeting kids is sextortion – where scammers trick children into sending explicit photos, then blackmail them for money. And beyond scams, sexual predators are active on social media, gaming platforms, and even WhatsApp – which has end-to-end encryption which protects them from getting caught.

Before your child has access to a smartphone, they need to know how to spot red flags, what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, and that they should never be shamed into silence.

3. Do they understand online privacy?

It’s easy for kids to share more than they realise online – and that can leave them vulnerable. Do they know the difference between personal and private information? Do they understand that once something is posted, it can last forever, even if they delete it?

Before they get a phone, they should know how to use privacy settings, why public accounts are risky, and how to stay in control of their digital footprint.

4. Are they ready for rules and boundaries?

A smartphone isn't just a phone – it's an entire world of distractions, notifications, and infinite scrolling, all designed to keep them hooked. Can they handle limits?

Think about other areas of life: do they follow household rules? Stick to screen-time agreements? A smartphone requires self-control, and if they struggle with that now, it might be worth waiting.

5. Will they come to you if something goes wrong?

Once they have a smartphone, they'll have access to a whole new online world that you can't see and is difficult for you to monitor. Will they come to you with any concerns about experiences they may have online?

If your child is naturally open with you, that's a great sign. If they tend to keep things to themselves, it might be harder for you to help them make sense of what they see and experience online.

6. Are you ready for the commitment?

Giving your child a smartphone doesn't just mean setting them up and walking away. It means actively managing parental controls, checking in on their usage, and staying one step ahead of new risks.

Parenting in the digital world involves tech knowhow and commitment, to help your child stay safe online and to ensure they keep a healthy balance with their real life activities and relationships.

7. What's your real reason for getting them a phone?

Is it so they can contact you while traveling to school? If so, a simple phone might do the trick. See our list of SFC recommended child-friendly phones.

Is it because their friends already have one? That's understandable – but what if you knew other families in your area were also waiting? Our Parent Pact helps connect families who are delaying smartphones, so no one feels like the odd one out.

So, what's the answer?

If you can confidently say your child is ready – great! But if some of these questions gave you pause, that's okay too. A few more years without a smartphone isn't a loss – it's time gained for play, creativity, and real-world adventures.

And the good news? More and more families are making the same choice. You're not alone in this.