Your child has expressed a desire for a phone, leaving you caught between their request and the potential hazards of unrestricted exposure to the digital realm. Leading psychologists and wellness experts advocate a balanced approach: one that neither dismisses the request outright nor grants it immediately, but instead uses the opportunity to nurture responsibility and online safety.

Here, we’ll explore ways to manage the conversation while considering digital security, emotional maturity, and your child’s social needs. We’ll detail practical responses, outline steps to establish clear boundaries, and identify circumstances where offering a phone is appropriate, all without defaulting to inflexible age-based rules. Let’s get to it.

How to navigate the “Can I have a phone?” conversation

According to psychologist Alberto Soler, the timing and intent behind the request are more important than the child’s chronological age. Your response should reflect their individual readiness rather than simply yielding to peer pressure. Consider employing the following strategies to guide a thoughtful discussion:

Ask why first. Rather than dismissing the request outright, ask “What would you use it for?”. If your child’s answer centers on social media or gaming, it may signal that they have not yet grasped the full responsibility that comes with the privilege. Conversely, if they mention safety concerns, such as managing their way home or staying connected with family members, this suggests a need for further exploration of appropriate options.
Start with a basic phone. Soler advises beginning with a simple device that is limited to calls and texts. This minimizes distractions and curbs exposure to the broader online world, including social media and complex apps. You might say: “Let’s try this basic model first. If you demonstrate the necessary responsibility, we can consider upgrading to a smarter option later”, framing the arrangement as a trial period rather than as a reward or punishment.
Delay smartphones until high school. Devices equipped with full internet access bring added complexities, including social media engagement, data privacy concerns, and potential conflicts over screen time. Soler recommends postponing the transition to a smartphone until at least 14, a common legal threshold for many social media platforms.
Set rules first. Before providing any phone, establish clear expectations. For example, clarify that there will be no phones in bedrooms overnight, that parents must have access to passwords, and that usage time is strictly limited (for instance, one hour after homework). Emphasize that “a phone is a tool, not a toy” and that these guidelines are designed to protect and educate as much as to entertain.

When phones make sense for a child

Phones are not inherently negative; they can be valuable tools when their use aligns with your child’s developmental needs and your family’s values. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

Safety and independence take precedence when deciding whether a basic phone is appropriate, especially if your child commutes independently or participates in after-school activities.
Social inclusion is another factor. By middle school, group chats and digital communication can replace traditional playdates.
Maturity is a crucial indicator as well: if your child adheres to screen-time rules on shared devices and demonstrates an understanding of online privacy, these qualities may be stronger signs of readiness.

Although many children receive their first phone around the age of 12, Soler contends that circumstances offer better guidance than a strict numerical guideline. If you opt to delay giving your child a phone, explain that while many of their peers may already have one, the decision is based on ensuring they’re fully prepared to manage the responsibilities that come with it.