At What Age Should Children Get Their First Cell Phone? by Miwa Age 9
- Maya Sissoko: Blog Editor
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Technology is everywhere, and it's not going away. Every day, companies are developing an increasing number of devices. It is hard for parents to say yes to letting their kids have these devices while setting necessary limits because they are afraid they will always be on them. I've seen my parents struggle through this issue with my older siblings, and I am watching it happen to me, too. After watching my older brother and sister receive devices and researching the topic, I realized that children should be allowed to have cell phones at thirteen, but only if they show they are responsible enough.
I am a nine-year-old girl in the 3rd grade, living in the Bay Area, and the second youngest of four children, ranging in age from five to fifteen. When I was around six, my brother got a gaming computer and a phone. About the same time, my sister got an iPad. They used to talk and play with me a lot. But they stopped interacting with all of us as much as they used to, and instead, they were on their devices. I felt lonelier and couldn't ask them for help as much. I thought my parents should control the amount of screen time they had. Eventually, they put screen time limits on their devices and progressively became more interactive with the family.
Phones are a favorite device among young people because they can be taken anywhere, used to play games, watch videos, make calls, and much more. Children should be allowed to have cell phones at thirteen, unless they demonstrate they cannot handle the responsibility. It could be sooner if used only for texting family members. However, social media should last until teenagers are older. Some experts advise waiting until thirteen, while others suggest waiting until sixteen.
There are many ways for young teenagers to gain and demonstrate responsibility. Parents should teach their children how to do chores when they are old enough to help and let them practice until they show they can do them independently. From then on, children should be expected to do those chores regularly. This is one way to build responsibility. Another way is for children to learn how to complete and submit their homework on time.
Another part of being responsible is setting and following screen time limits. People on screens are less present with what is happening around them and are less social and engaged. It has been proven that screens are addictive and can be bad for sleep. If kids cannot consistently stick to the time limits, this shows they are not ready to have a cell phone. Once kids no longer need their parents to check, they are ready to have a phone, but should return it in the evening.
If children receive their own devices at too young an age and without showing responsibility, they could get addicted and be exposed to inappropriate content, which can lead to a negative change in their behavior. If you have or plan on having children, it is important to think carefully before giving a child a device.
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This essay was written in collaboration with Maya Sissoko, founder of Whole Child Education, a highly personalized and collaborative education platform for creative and motivated youth.
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