What is the right age to get my child a smartphone?

[.style-intro]It's one of the biggest questions families are asking right now. This guide walks through a gradual, age-appropriate approach to introducing smartphones – based on research, expert advice, and real-life stories from families who've gone before you.[.style-intro]

‍Delay for as long as possible

The heart of this movement is simple: we want to give kids more time to build confidence, resilience and strong relationships – without the constant pull of a screen in their pocket. And that means delaying their first smartphone for as long as you can.

We know the pressure starts early, and really ramps up between 11 and 14. That's the crunch point, when group chats kick off and the playground chat turns digital. It's hard. But just because everyone else seems to be handing over a smartphone doesn't mean you have to. Our Parent Pact is a great way of reducing that peer pressure by banding together with other families in your area who also want to delay.

And the good news is it's not all or nothing – there's plenty of middle ground between no tech and full smartphone access. The key isn't cutting kids off from the internet altogether – it's about holding off on giving them unrestricted access to it 24/7, right in their pocket.

Introducing tech in a gradual, age-appropriate way gives children the space they need to learn and grow, free from addictive algorithms and harmful content. Yes, the peer pressure is real – but so is your power to hold the line.

Our recommended approach

Every family is different, there will always be exceptions and there's no one-size-fits-all rule. But this approach is already helping thousands of families introduce tech more intentionally, at a pace that protects childhood

0–11 years old: no phone

We're not saying "no internet" or "no screens". But in most cases, primary-aged children don't need their own phone – whether it's smart or not.

Instead, this is a great window to keep things simple. Focus on face-to-face time, real-world adventures, play, boredom (it really matters for creativity and resilience), and shared digital experiences like watching tv, movies or playing games.

If your child needs to go online for school work or creative activities, use a shared family laptop or computer in a communal space where you can keep an eye on them. Be mindful with tablets too – they can offer many of the same distractions and risks as smartphones if left unsupervised.

By setting this expectation early, you help shift the norm: in our family, phones aren't part of childhood just yet – and that's totally okay.

11–14 years old: first phone (not a smartphone)

If your child is walking to school or starting to go out alone, it makes sense to want a way to stay in touch. This is where a simple phone comes in – a device for calls and texts only, with no internet, no app store, and no social media.

Lots of families find that starting here gives their child independence without opening the door to everything else that comes with smartphones.

When it comes to exploring the online world, laptops can play a useful role – especially if they’re shared, kept in communal areas, and used with oversight. Some parents also allow their child to use their smartphone or laptop for WhatsApp chats with friends – helping them stay connected while keeping boundaries in place.

14–16 years old: follow-on phone, no social media

By this age, children are better equipped to manage the digital world – but they still need guidance and support. This is a good age to introduce something beyond a simple phone, slowly and intentionally.

A follow-on phone is either a smartphone with strong parental controls, or one of the new 'smartish' phones which look like smartphones but are either restricted to certain features or apps or enable parents to manage their children's apps and access. If you do choose to introduce a follow-on phone at this age, it's still vital to agree boundaries together with your child. Things like:

• Setting up parental controls and screen time limits
• Agreeing clear rules together (no phones in bedrooms, family meals, or overnight)
• Checking in regularly about what they're seeing and how it's making them feel
• Having open conversations about things like body image, peer pressure, and social media's impact

Even then, it's worth remembering that smartphones are adult devices. So tread carefully, and keep things under review.

16–18 years old: full-fat smartphone

By the time your child is in later adolescence, they're likely more ready to handle the complexities of a fully connected smartphone. They'll still need support and boundaries (let's face it, most of us do!) – but they're more capable of managing apps, social media platforms and other online spaces independently.

Crucially, the habits and foundations you've built earlier will go a long way in shaping how they use a smartphone when they get one. Children who've had time to grow up without constant digital distraction often develop stronger critical thinking, better self-regulation, and a healthier sense of who they are – all of which help them navigate the online world with more confidence and care.

Giving kids a few extra years to build those skills away from smartphones doesn't hold them back – it sets them up to thrive. When they do step into the digital world, they'll be better prepared to use it on their terms, not be used by it.

Practical tips for introducing a smartphone

When the time comes to introduce a smartphone into your child's life, there are some practical steps you can take to ensure the transition goes smoothly. Before you take the leap, check out our guide 'Is my child smartphone ready?'

Avoid giving a smartphone as a gift

Giving your child a smartphone for their birthday or Christmas makes it seem like a reward, which sends a potentially unhelpful message. Instead, frame it as a family device you are letting them use – if they do so responsibly by following the rules and boundaries you set  – rather than something private which they own.

Establish clear boundaries

Setting rules from the outset is crucial. Limit screen time, monitor app usage, and discuss the importance of balancing digital life with real-world activities. For instance, no phones at the dinner table, no devices during family outings, and no phones in bedrooms or overnight.

Be involved, not just an observer

Keeping an open line of communication with your child is key. Regularly check in with them about their digital experiences, ask what apps they're using, and be available to talk about any challenges they're facing online.

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Remember, you're not alone in this

Whether you're choosing to delay, introduce a smartphone gradually, or are already navigating life with one in the mix, you're not alone. Thousands of families are figuring this out too, and discovering that with a bit of support and shared wisdom, it is possible to make more confident, intentional choices. This isn't about getting it perfect. It's about creating the conditions for our kids to thrive – with the right tools, boundaries and conversations in place. Wherever you're at, we're here to help.