Nowadays, mobile phones have become an inseparable part of our lives, and children start playing with their parents' phones from an early age. Some children under 8 even have their own tablets or mobile phones.
Today's children, even before they can speak, signal their desire to use their parents’ phones. As they start talking, they insist on playing with smartphones. Eventually, when they start school and see their peers with phones, they request their own device. This raises an ongoing concern for parents—at what age should they buy a phone for their child, and is it even the right decision?
If you observe children using mobile phones at parties or restaurants, you will notice that these devices have become a psychological necessity for them. However, using such devices at an early age may not only be unhelpful but also harmful to children. The widespread use of mobile phones among kids has worried many parents. Statistics show that children, on average, get their first personal phone at the age of 10, but they become familiar with electronic devices at much younger ages—even in infancy.
To introduce children to the vast world of mobile phones, there needs to be an age-appropriate plan. In this article, we will discuss the best age to buy a phone for children and the rules for its use.
Psychologists prohibit the use of mobile phones for children under 18 months and sometimes up to 2 years old because screen exposure at this age is harmful to brain development. Therefore, it is necessary to keep mobile phones out of the reach of toddlers. All caregivers should be informed of this rule to ensure compliance.
Experts recommend that children between 4 and 6 years old use mobile phones as minimally as possible. Ideally, children under 6 should spend less than an hour per day using electronic devices, including mobile phones, TVs, and laptops. Early exposure to mobile phones can lead to unhealthy habits, such as an addiction to the dopamine rush (a hormone responsible for pleasure) triggered by screen activities.
While technology is not inherently harmful to children, it should be used at the right age. The risks associated with mobile phone use range from physical harm (such as eye strain) to psychological effects. For example, if children become accustomed to mobile use at a young age, their brains may struggle to generate dopamine naturally, reducing their interest in outdoor activities. Excessive phone use at a young age can also impair communication skills, preventing children from developing empathy and understanding emotions.
At this stage, school-aged children may need access to smart devices for online learning. Psychologists recommend using a shared family phone, laptop, or tablet with controlled access. If parents need to stay in contact with their child, a basic phone with only call capabilities is advisable.
Interestingly, even technology leaders like Steve Jobs (Apple's founder) and Bill Gates (former Microsoft CEO) did not allow their children to use the very devices they helped create at a young age.
Although video games can help develop cognitive skills, the real danger for children at this age is social media. Children in this age group do not fully understand the risks of posting photos online and may become victims of cyberbullying or extortion. Such experiences can cause anxiety that children are not yet emotionally equipped to handle.
Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. However, research indicates that around 20% of 10-year-olds with mobile phones already have accounts on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. Instead of buying a phone immediately, parents should first establish clear rules for using shared family phones and provide proper guidance.
For example, children should turn off their phones by 9 PM and avoid bringing them to bed. Phones should also be restricted during meals, family gatherings, and vacations. Additionally, children should not be allowed to use mobile phones while doing homework. Parents must set firm rules and ensure they are followed.
Parents can use monitoring apps designed to track children's phone activities and control their access to various apps. However, it is crucial to maintain a respectful and open relationship with children. Research shows that children who fear punishment are less likely to seek help from their parents when facing online dangers.
While psychologists generally agree that children should have their own phones after age 13 (some countries set this age at 16), parents should also consider their child's emotional maturity. A child who can build meaningful friendships and communicate openly with parents is more likely to seek help if they face problems online.
The best time to buy a phone depends not only on age but also on factors such as a child’s sense of responsibility, ability to follow rules, emotional maturity, and family values.
Parental education and preventive measures play a crucial role in reducing the risks associated with mobile phone use. For instance, "sexual education for children" can help prevent issues such as online abuse. Additionally, studies show a direct link between excessive mobile phone use and mental health issues. Parents should take an active approach in ensuring their children use phones responsibly. Since social media can be stressful for kids, parents should monitor behavioral changes and teach stress management skills.
Some mobile apps can enhance cognitive skills, independence, and help children explore their interests.
Parents can introduce children to educational games such as puzzles or language-learning apps.
Smartphones provide excellent entertainment tools for children.
Children may be exposed to inappropriate content, privacy risks, and contact with strangers.
Excessive screen time can reduce attention span, increase anxiety, and lead to social isolation and a sedentary lifestyle.
Children may become so dependent on mobile entertainment that they lose interest in creative activities, sports, outdoor play, and traditional games.
Content that promotes learning, creativity, and participation is ideal.
Games that require focus can boost patience and creativity (e.g., color recognition, number recognition, puzzles).
Content should be free of violence and gender stereotypes. Violent scenes can remain in a child's memory for a long time and may lead to imitative behavior. Gender stereotypes (e.g., boys being strong and girls being weak) can have long-term psychological effects.
Children should be made aware of online predators and cyber threats.
They should feel safe reporting any suspicious activity or threats to parents.
Parents must monitor online interactions, particularly chat features in games, to prevent exposure to inappropriate conversations or dangerous individuals.
Constantly telling a child to stop using their phone is ineffective and creates tension. Instead, increasing outdoor activities, reading, and sports can naturally reduce screen time.
Set clear rules for mobile use, such as no screens during meals or before bedtime. Parents must also follow these rules themselves.
From an early age, parents should establish the rule that mobile phones are for adults.
However, parents' own phone habits significantly influence children. If parents frequently use their phones, children will want to do the same.
Engaging children in diverse activities can reduce their interest in digital devices.
If you decide to buy a mobile phone for your child, monitor the apps they use. The fact that they have reached the appropriate age does not eliminate your responsibility as a parent. Ensure that the content they consume is age-appropriate. Instead of allowing unrestricted access to the internet, provide them with carefully selected apps that are monitored by experts to minimize risks.
