What age is appropriate for a child to have their first phone?

Question

I’m putting 5 as a starting point because I’ve actually heard of a 5 year old having their own phone before 😂 What do you think Is an appropriate age for a child to have their first phone?

Answer

A five year old doesnt need a phone

Answer

I deff think 10-12 is a decent age 
But I’ve see parents whose children walk home from school and have “kid” phones which can only call certain numbers and it’s basically just for the parent to be in contact with them in case anything happens. I can see that being beneficial if a 9 yr old walks to/from school everyday

Answer

I think the type of phone and it’s abilities are more important. I wouldn’t give any child a smartphone. It’s not necessary. They can have a basic burner phone to make calls.

Answer

When they start walking to school alone. I imagine that would be secondary school so 11years old.

Answer

One thing I do Not understand is when I hear a parent complain that they are low in cash, that they are struggling, selling things here and there, that they hardly have any groceries, but yet their kids have working iphones. How?

Answer

I got my first one when I was 7. Super basic one just for calling my parents/nanny/driver. It helped so I knew if they were going to be running late that day, and I knew whether to wait by the curb or stay in view of security. In terms of a smart phone, probably 10 or 11 when they start middle school, but still with restrictions and limited screen time.

Answer

I had a flip phone when I was 14 literally just for calling (no one texted yet, it couldn’t take photos, and there were no data packages lol) but I think in today’s time 12 is reasonable. By that age they are going to the mall, movies, park without parental supervision so I’d like my child to have a phone in case something went wrong. Pay phones aren’t really a thing anymore lol

Answer

16. When child starts going places by themselves. I guess my kid will be the uncool kid because he doesn’t have a phone🤷🏼‍♀️

Answer

When they are old enough to work and pay for it

Answer

95% of my seventh grade students have phones of some type. Oftentimes it causes more problems than it solves - especially with the apps they choose to install. I can understanding having a phone for calling since this age is attending sporting events and whatnot without parents. But our kid will not have the latest and greatest. I have students with fancier phones than me. No way am I giving a 12 year old a $1,000 phone.

What age is appropriate for a child to have their first phone?

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