What’s the right age to give your child their first phone?
New research reveals 1 in 5 kids owns a phone by age 10.
When deciding when to give your child their first phone, there’s no universal rule – it depends on your child’s maturity and your family’s needs.
However, new research from Life360 shows that 1 in 5 kids own a phone by age 10, with that number rising to 53% by the time they’re 12.
The top reasons parents give their kids a phone are:
- Emergencies: 82% want to reach their child quickly when needed.
- Family Communication: 58% value staying connected more easily.
- Location Sharing: 48% use location tech to ensure peace of mind.
Phones are quickly becoming an essential part of school life, giving parents safety and convenience during the busy school year.
Is your child ready for a mobile phone?
Psychologist and teen expert Collett Smart highlights the importance of balancing safety and independence. Giving your child a phone should empower them, not just monitor them. Apps like Life360 work best when used with transparency and trust.
“Managing the balance between fostering independence in a new school year and keeping kids safe can feel complicated for parents – and increasingly the nuanced conversation around the dos and don’ts of managing kids’ phone use is sitting at the centre of this juggle,” explains Collett.
“This year, despite the strain on family budgets, the survey suggests parents are set on providing their child with a phone, with location-sharing playing a key part of this peace-of-mind driven decision.”
Ask yourself these questions to see if your child is ready for a phone:
- Are they responsible with their belongings?
- Do they follow family rules and respect boundaries?
- Can they handle safety features, like blocking unknown numbers?
- Would a phone improve their safety during commutes or help them stay connected to family?
Why parents choose location sharing
Back-to-school season often triggers the decision to get a phone. Life360 reported a 50% surge in downloads in January 2024, as families embraced location-sharing tech to reduce stress and foster independence.
Here’s what parents and kids had to say about it:
- 58% of parents feel it lowers back-to-school anxiety.
- 73% of secondary school kids say it makes them feel safer.
- 44% believe it helps them grow more independent.
Location sharing also simplifies busy family life. Nearly half of parents (44%) use it to streamline school pick-ups, while 31% say it reduces the need for constant check-ins.
Social media safety tips for new phone owners
When kids get their first phone, social media often comes along for the ride. And the online world is about to change.
In late 2024, Australia announced plans to ban children under 16 from using social media without verified parental consent. The law, set to roll out in late 2025, will fine tech companies up to A$50 million if they fail to comply.
While details are still unclear, the government is testing age-verification technology, placing the responsibility on platforms to implement safeguards.
For now, parents remain the first line of defense. Setting clear boundaries and teaching your child how to navigate the digital world safely is critical.
Help your child step into the online world with confidence and caution by following these tips:
Set privacy settings: Teach them to make their profiles private and limit their audience to people they know personally.
Talk about digital footprints: Remind them that anything they post online can be shared, saved, or screenshot – encourage them to think before they post.
Explain stranger danger: Make it clear they shouldn’t accept friend requests or messages from people they don’t know in real life.
Establish phone-free zones: Create no-phone zones like bedrooms, dinner tables, or during family time to encourage a healthy relationship with technology.
Encourage open communication: Let your child know they can come to you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable.
Teach blocking and reporting: Show them how to block inappropriate users and report harmful content on social platforms.
Set time limits: Use built-in parental controls or apps to manage screen time and prevent social media overuse.
There’s no perfect age for a first phone, but when the time comes, make sure to prioritise safety – both in the physical and digital worlds.
Social media safety, location-sharing apps, and open conversations can make this first phone milestone easier (and safer!) for everyone.
