A smartphone for your child? Make sure they won’t bow to peer pressure before you give them that iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or whatever
- If you want to know whether your child is ready for a smartphone, look for independence milestones to assess if they can handle having one
- Good judgment, the ability to focus, and being socially responsible are all good indicators they’re ready. It’s not a question of their age
Your child is begging for a smartphone, but are they ready? Are you ready?
Since writing Screenwise, the most frequent question I get from parents is: “What age is right for a phone?” During the holiday season, this question is laden with urgency, because it could make the perfect gift.
But getting your child a smartphone – or any connected device – is a huge turning point. It gives them access to the entire digital world, good and bad, and will put them at the centre of a powerful communication hub.
So rather than asking the right age, the question should be: “What independence milestones has my child achieved?” And then: “What role will a phone play in my child’s life?” Here are some ways to evaluate your child’s readiness and some ideas for mentoring them through it.
Do you have time for mentoring? Getting a smartphone is not a simple gift or a quick way to stay in touch. It’s a significant event in your child’s life. You will want to help them as much as possible, so consider your availability.