Unfortunately, the answer isn’t simple. It really depends on the individual.
With that in mind, here are some guidelines to help you determine if your teen is ready for a phone of their own. We've reviewed the research, spoken with parents, and tried various tactics in our own homes.
In kids and teens the area of the brain in charge of making decisions – the prefrontal cortex – is still developing. That’s why it can be a struggle for teens to manage the power of their own phones. Even as adults with fully formed brains, we have trouble cutting ourselves off from our phones.
Our brains' dopamine levels are stimulated by interactive screens, which results in us craving more screen time. For developing minds, this can be a real challenge. Here’s our advice:
Wait to give your child a phone for as long as possible.
When and if your teen asks for a phone, don’t rush to make a decision. Evaluate the pros and cons, such as always being in touch with them versus the potential for them to be distracted in school. Both you and your child need to be ready for this step.
In order to prepare kids for real life, it’s important for children to engage with the actual world as often as they can:
Trust your instincts.
If you or your child feels unprepared to handle the responsibility of owning a cell phone, those feelings are valid.
Speak with other parents
It is helpful to speak to other parents to learn about their personal experiences with kids and cell phones. In a one-on-one talk, other parents are more inclined to share what does and does not work and why.
Develop a self-evaluation for your family
Ask questions like – What does being responsible mean? What does the term "emotionally mature" mean?
Our children surprised us with a variety of excellent answers. And so will your kids!
Use a simple gadget first
There is no magic age that determines when a youngster is ready for a cell phone, but research suggests 14 is a sensible minimum age for a simple feature smartphone. These phones have built-in safety features and are less stimulating.
Set ground rules
Schedule a meeting for you, your spouse, and your teen to go over the ground rules of phone ownership once you've decided your teen is ready for their own device.
After buying your child a cell phone:
Review the self-assessment questions.
The first time you give your teen access to a smartphone requires practice and instruction.
The landscape is always changing. As kids and teens learn to use technology appropriately, we need to keep mentoring and advising them.
What happens if I regret my decision to give my teen a phone?
You are not alone if you've given your teen a phone and it's not working out.
You're a parent trying your best. You are exploring the uncharted ground and learning as you go.
An important parental mantra for all of us: "I reserve the right to be wiser today than I was yesterday." As a family, make a plan so that your child understands what steps they need to fulfill before they are granted phone ownership permission.
Jack is the Marketing Manager at Carrots&Cake, where he channels his extensive background in app development across various sectors into making a positive societal impact. Attracted by the company’s commitment to addressing the challenges of children's screen time, Jack integrates his expertise in technology, psychology, and education to enhance digital parenting practices.
With an academic foundation in psychology and hands-on experience as a volunteer teacher, Jack is uniquely positioned to foster healthier digital habits among children. His dedication to staying current with the latest advancements in screen time and digital parenting allows him to effectively steer and influence this evolving field.
Personally, Jack is a staunch advocate for healthy living. He keeps active with regular gym visits and various sports, reflecting his professional focus on promoting balanced digital behaviors among children. Jack’s diverse interests and his deep commitment to making a real difference shine through his efforts at Carrots&Cake, helping to lead the way towards more positive screen time experiences for kids.
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