What Age Should A Kid Get a Phone?

For many children, getting their first phone has become a modern rite of passage. Yet for parents, deciding what age is the right age for their child to have a phone isn’t so easy.

By Michelle LaRoweOctober 3, 202622 min read

For many children, getting their first phone has become a modern rite of passage.

Yet for parents, deciding what age is the right age for their child to have a phone isn’t so easy. While there is no magic age that is right for every child to get their first phone, there are key factors parents should consider when deciding what age is the right age to get their kid a phone.

Benefits and Risks of Giving a Child a Phone

Like most parenting decisions, deciding when to give your child a phone isn’t a black and white decision. That decision comes with pros and cons, risks and benefits.

While one of the greatest advantages of giving a kid a phone is the ability for you to stay connected, that same phone that keeps you connected to your child opens the door for everyone – and everything else- to be easily connected with and accessible to your child.

Along with instant communication with your child comes access to social media, online content, messaging apps, games, and interactions with people that will occur beyond your supervision.

Fortunately, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many of these risks can be reduced through parental controls, clear expectations, phone checks, and ongoing conversations with your child about digital safety. (1)

That said, parents must carefully weigh the benefits and risks of giving their child a phone before putting one in their hand to ensure their child is ready to navigate safe and healthy phone use.

Potential Benefits

Easier communication with parents and trusted adults.
Greater flexibility when plans change.
Access to help in an emergency.
Support for growing independence.
Location-sharing for added peace of mind.
An opportunity to teach healthy technology habits.
Strengthening social connections.

Potential Risks

Exposure to inappropriate content.
Social media pressure and cyberbullying.
Sleep disruption and excessive screen time.
Distraction from learning and real-life experiences.
Discipline issues at school and activities.
Contact with strangers and online predators.
Privacy and data security concerns.
Loss, damage, and ongoing costs.
Mental health concerns.

How to Tell if Your Child is Ready for a Phone

Once you’ve decided that the pros outweigh the cons and the question has moved from “Should I get my child a phone” to “When should I get my child a phone,” you’ll want to take an honest look at whether your child has the skills and maturity to handle the responsibility of having a phone.

It’s also important to consider if you’ll have the time and patience required to provide the necessary support needed to build safe and healthy phone habits.

While there’s no magic age that will indicate your child is ready for a phone, Common Sense Media cites there are some signs of maturity and readiness you can look for. (2)

Does Your Child Need a Way to Reach You

When considering whether it’s the right time to get your child a phone, one of the first questions you’ll want to consider is whether your child needs a phone or if your child simply wants a phone because all his friends seem to have one.

If your child participates in after-school activities, for example, having the ability to contact you may be essential.

Once you’ve decided having a phone is needed, you’ll want to consider if a traditional mobile phone or smartphone is the right fit for your child.

If your child is involved in sports teams that simply require a text or phone call to let you know when practice is over, a traditional mobile phone may be the appropriate choice.

If your child has a medical condition that is monitored via technology use, for example, a smartphone may be the best option.

Before deciding if your child needs a smartphone, take a step back and consider why they need a phone in the first place. In many cases, a basic phone that allows for calling and texting may be all that's necessary. In other cases, a Smartphone's additional features may better support your family's needs.

As you think through your child's daily routine, ask yourself which type of device truly fits your situation.

Walking, biking, or carpooling to school.
Sports and extracurricular activities.
Shared custody or co-parenting arrangements.
Staying home alone.
Playdates, outings, and sleepovers.
Medical or health needs.
Transportation and pick-up coordination.
School communication and assignments.
Family organization.

Depending on your child’s family and needs, the level of connection needed may vary. For some parents, a traditional mobile phone may be the best option and for those who need additional features, a smartphone may be the right choice.

If your child needs reliable calling, messaging, and location-sharing features but isn't yet ready for unrestricted internet access or social media, a parent-managed kids smartwatch may offer an ideal first step. It provides many of the communication and safety features families value while allowing children to build healthy digital habits before transitioning to a smartphone.

Can Your Child Follow Rules Consistently?

When considering whether a child is ready for the responsibility of an expensive piece of hand-held technology, you’ll want to consider their overall level of maturity.

Your child’s level of maturity will give you more insight than her age when determining if your child is ready for a phone.

Consider if your child:

Follows household and school rules
Respects existing screen-time limits
Tells a parent when something online makes them feel uncomfortable
Stops using electronic devices when asked
Understands that access can be restricted if rules are broken
Takes care of their room and belongings
Keeps track of their water bottle and other school supplies and sports equipment.

If your child demonstrates maturity in these areas, it may be an indicator that they're ready for the responsibility of having their first phone.

If your child:

Attempts to bypass parental controls
Sneaks additional screen-time
Uses current technology inappropriately
Breaks established technology rules
Has extreme meltdowns when technology is taken away

The child is likely not ready to get her first phone.

Can Your Child Care for an Expensive Device?

Even the most affordable phone is a financial investment. In addition to the purchase price of the device itself, monthly access fees, insurance protection, accessories and upgrades can add up to quite the expense.

When considering if your child is ready to care for an expensive piece of technology, consider their track record for other items they are responsible for.

Does your child regularly lose personal belongings?
Does your child care for her existing devices?
Does your child keep track of sports equipment or musical instruments?
Do they understand the financial cost of damage or loss?

Does Your Child Understand Online Safety?

Giving your child a phone isn't just about handing them a device, it's about preparing them to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Just as we teach children skills to remain safe in the physical world, we must also teach them how to recognize and respond to risks online.

Before your child receives their first phone, they should understand these essential online safety rules:

Protect personal information.
Keep passwords private.
Don't communicate with strangers.
Always ask before downloading apps.
Never make purchases without permission.
Think before you click.
Be thoughtful about what you share.
Know how to respond to inappropriate behavior.
Understand that the internet has a long memory.
Protect your digital footprint.
Come to a trusted adult when something doesn't feel right.

How Will a Phone Affect Their Well-Being?

One of the best predictors of how your child will handle new technology is how they handle technology they already have access too.

Before introducing another screen into your child's life, it’s important to evaluate their current habits.

As you evaluate your child's readiness for a phone, ask yourself:

Sleep: Does your child get enough quality sleep, or are screens already interfering with bedtime and healthy routines?
School performance: Is your child able to stay focused, complete assignments, and manage responsibilities without technology becoming a distraction?
Anxiety and emotional regulation: How does your child respond when it's time to put devices away? Can they manage disappointment, boredom, or frustration without immediately reaching for a screen?
Social pressure: Is your child comfortable being themselves, or are they easily influenced by peers and worried about fitting in or missing out?
Gaming habits: Can your child stop playing when asked, or do games regularly lead to arguments, frustration, or difficulty transitioning to other activities?
Screen-time boundaries: Does your child generally respect the limits you've already established, or are screen-time rules a frequent source of conflict?
In-person friendships and activities: Does your child enjoy spending time with friends, participating in sports or hobbies, reading, playing outdoors, and engaging with family, or are screens beginning to replace those experiences?

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to move beyond simply counting screen-time minutes and instead consider the child, the content they're consuming, what digital media is crowding out, and the importance of ongoing family communication.

Likewise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that healthy routines, including adequate sleep, physical activity, and balanced screen use, are essential to children's overall health and well-being.

Is Middle School a Good Time for a First Phone?

For many families, middle school naturally becomes a time when the introduction of a child’s first phone becomes the topic of much parent and child conversation.

If a child hasn’t already got their first phone, by this time, the pressure for parents is on.

When children enter middle school, they are transitioning from elementary and/or intermediate school and naturally begin taking on more responsibilities and independence.

This often means they are on school sports teams, participating in after-school activities, and are spending more time away from home for school, sports and social commitments, so the need for direct phone communication between parents and children is growing.

In many schools, this is also when school technology dependence grows and children may be expected to communicate by email or through apps with teachers and coaches.

For these reasons, the middle school years are generally a time when parents began asking themselves if their child needs a phone.

While many parents determine that middle school is the right time for their child to get a phone, other parents aren’t so convinced. For parents who want to wait until the end of middle school before giving their child a phone, the Wait Until 8th Pledge, a movement that empowers parents to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade, offers resources and support.

Phone Readiness Checklist for Parents

Giving a child their first phone is more than a milestone. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, phone use is a privilege, not a right, that comes with increasing responsibility, ongoing guidance, and active parental involvement. (3)

Review this checklist to help you understand if your child may be ready for her first phone.

Care and Independence

Does my child regularly spend time away from a parent or trusted caregiver where they genuinely need a way to communicate?
Is there a clear safety, transportation, or scheduling reason for them to have a phone?
Could a basic phone or smartwatch meet that need just as effectively?

Responsibility

Does my child consistently follow household rules, even when they aren't being closely supervised?
Can they keep track of important belongings such as backpacks, jackets, glasses, or sports equipment?
Have they demonstrated responsibility with other technology, toys, or valuable items?
If the phone is lost or damaged, have we discussed who is responsible for paying for repairs or replacement?

Emotional Maturity

Can my child accept limits and hear "no" without frequent arguments or emotional outbursts?
Do they generally make good decisions when faced with peer pressure?
Are they able to entertain themselves without constantly relying on a screen?
Can they stop using a device when asked without it becoming a daily battle?

Digital Safety

Does my child understand not to share personal information, passwords, photos, or their location with others?
Do they know how to recognize scams, suspicious links, inappropriate requests, and online manipulation?
Would they tell me if they encountered cyberbullying, explicit content, or someone online who made them uncomfortable?
Have we had ongoing conversations, not just one talk, about digital citizenship, kindness, and responsible online behavior?

Family Expectations

Have we discussed what apps, games, and social media platforms are, and are not, allowed?
Have we established clear expectations for when and where the phone can be used, including during meals, homework, family time, and at bedtime?
Have we talked about privacy, monitoring, and why parental oversight is part of earning digital independence rather than a punishment?
Am I willing to consistently enforce the rules and model healthy technology habits myself?

Practical Considerations

Does my child's school allow smartphones, and if so, under what circumstances?
Am I comfortable setting up and maintaining parental controls, content filters, and screen time limits?
Do I have the time and willingness to regularly review settings, update restrictions, and continue talking with my child about their digital experiences?
Have I considered whether a simpler device with calling and texting capabilities would meet our family's needs without introducing unnecessary distractions?
Have a drafted a parent/child phone use agreement?

You don’t have to answer “yes” to every question for your child to be ready for a phone, but patterns of maturity and responsibility revealed by your answers can help you determine if your child may be ready for her first phone.

And remember, you don't have to choose between "no phone" and "full smartphone." Many families successfully bridge the gap with basic phones, kid-focused devices, or smartwatches that provide communication and safety features without unrestricted internet access, which allows them to introduce technology thoughtfully and at a pace that matches their child’s maturity and family’s’ values.

Parental Controls and Monitoring

While there is no replacement for direct and ongoing supervision, safeguarding your child from potential online pitfalls using parental controls is essential to minimizing risk and maximizing safety.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission suggests “Starting with a conversation about your family's rules and expectations — then consider setting parental controls to help.” (4)

Today’s smartphones come with a variety of built-in parental control features designed to help keep kids safe while using technology.

These features can range from restricting access to certain apps and websites to setting time limits on screen time. These controls can help ease parents' minds about exposure to inappropriate content and overuse of screentime.

When comparing devices, look for features such as:

Parent-approved contact lists.
App download approvals.
Website and content filters.
Screen time schedules.
Daily app or screen time limits.
Purchase approvals.
Location sharing.
Communication monitoring.
School or Focus modes.
Privacy protections.
Emergency features.
Remote device controls.

It’s important to remember that while these controls can be helpful, they are not a substitute for parental supervision and monitoring, ongoing conversations, and gradually building trust with your child.

Though children often protest, parental monitoring is an essential component of helping children to learn to navigate phone use safely.

Maintaining the position that the device is yours and your child is using it, sets the framework for ongoing monitoring.

When monitoring your child’s phone use consider:

Normalizing phone reviews. Let your child know that you will be looking at their phone daily or weekly.
Match oversight to maturity. As your child continues to demonstrate maturity in usage, consider reviewing phone usage together.
Grow privileges with your child. As your child grows and matures, revisit privacy and other restrictions to match their growth.

While it can be tempting to secretly monitor your child, being transparent about monitoring will help to build trust and strengthen your relationship.

Choose Parental Controls Before Choosing a Phone

The best first phone for your child isn't necessarily the newest or most popular, it is the one that provides the safety features, monitoring tools, and customizable controls that best align with your child's age, maturity, and your family's expectations. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission urges parents to think about using parental controls, setting limits, and teaching their children how to use their phones responsibly. (5)

Smartphone Alternatives for Younger Kids

When it comes to technology, the good news is there really is a solution that works for everyone. When considering which device to give your child, you have options. The University of Michigan encourages parents to consider alternatives if their child is not yet ready for a smartphone. (6)

These include:

Device Options	Key Features	Best Suited For	Benefits	Limitations
Smartwatch	Pre-approved contacts Location tracking Emergency Features	Young children	Simple communication Wearable	No internet
Basic Phone	Limited to calling and texting	Basic communicators	Simple communication Communication with limited distraction	No internet Risk of loss
Parent Controlled Smart Phone	Extensive parental controls Location tracking	Older children Children who need app access for school or sports	Can access apps and parent approved content Parental restrictions can be modified	Parent sets limitations Risk of loss
Unrestricted Smart Phone	Open access to online User controlled	Mature technology users	Experience customized to user	Risk of loss

Kids Smartwatch

Smartwatches are an excellent first phone alternative, especially for younger kids who are just starting to become more independent. Devices with simple but essential features like calling, messaging, and GPS tracking are an increasingly popular as they offer reliable communication with minimal risk and distraction. (For leading safety features see the Cosmo JrTrack 5 SE Kids Smartwatch).

Smartwatches for kids have many benefits:

Limited contact lists allow children to communicate with family and friends that are pre-approved by a parent.
Parents can track their child's location with GPS tracking and SafeZones, so you always know where they are.
SOS and emergency features allow children to make emergency calls quickly and easily.
Since there's no access to social media or the internet, you won't have to limit screen time or worry about inappropriate content.
Customizable wallpaper and ringtones give kids the option to personalize their devices in a fun way.
School mode minimizes distractions during class but still allows the child to tell time with their watch.

A parent-controlled kids smartwatch may be the best option when seeking:

Calls and messaging limited to parent-approved contacts
Built-in GPS location tracking and/or alerts with SafeZone
SOS button and emergency calling features
School Mode to minimize distractions during class
A wearable design that's less likely to be lost or forgotten
Communication and safety features without unrestricted internet access or social media
No app store or limited app access, depending on the device
Long battery life designed for all-day use
Easy-to-use controls that promote independence while maintaining parental oversight

Basic Phones

Another option for parents who are ready to introduce their child to their first device is a traditional mobile phone. These basic or flip style phones offer calling and texting without expanded features.

They eliminate the distractions commonly associated with smartphones, such as social media, games, and extensive internet browsing capabilities. This makes them a great option for parents who want to ensure their children can stay in touch but aren't ready to expose them to the full breadth of the online world.

A basic phone may be the best option when seeking:

Basic calling and texting capabilities
Fewer apps and distractions
Limited parental controls
Limited or no location sharing/tracking
A non-wearable option

A Smartphone with Parental Controls

Some families may choose a smartphone with tightly configured parental controls, especially for an older child who has demonstrated responsible technology use.

While smartphones utilizing parental controls require more initial set up and ongoing management that devices created specifically for children, for those growing in independence and maturity, these devices may be a good option.

A parental controlled smartphone may be the best option when seeking:

A parent-controlled smartphone experience
Access to apps and online learning platforms
Parental controls that can be modified to meet child’s needs
Location sharing/tracking
A non-wearable option

Rules to Set Before Giving Your Child a Phone

Whether you choose a smartphone, smartwatch, or basic mobile phone, the rules should come before the device. Phone use is a privilege and not a right, and children are more likely to use technology responsibly when expectations are established before they ever power the device on.

Rather than creating rules in response to problems, take time as a family to discuss how the phone will be used, when it may be used, and what will happen if those expectations aren't met. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests putting these agreements in writing, such as through a family media agreement, to help prevent misunderstandings and provide consistency as your child grows. (7)

Remember, these rules aren't intended to control your child. They're designed to teach responsible digital citizenship while keeping them safe.

Screen-Free Times and Places

Not every moment needs to include a screen. In fact, one of the healthiest habits families can establish is creating predictable times and places where everyone, including parents, puts their devices away.

Consider making these times and places phone-free:

Family meals
Homework and study time
Family outings and activities
Religious services
During conversations with others
While riding a bike or walking near traffic
One to two hours before bedtime
In your child's bedroom overnight, when developmentally appropriate

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to identify times when technology should be put away so that it doesn't interfere with sleep, family relationships, physical activity, or other experiences essential to healthy development.

Phone Use at School

Before sending any device to school, read your school's student handbook carefully. Policies, and in some cases laws, vary and many have changed in recent years.

Some schools now have "Away for the Day" policies that require phones to remain turned off and stored throughout the school day. Others permit devices only before and after school or in emergencies. Increasingly, schools are also addressing smartwatches, which may be subject to the same restrictions as smartphones.

Before your child brings a device to school, discuss:

Where the phone or smartwatch must be stored during the school day.
Whether smartwatches are permitted.
Which emergency features remain available if the device is locked or restricted.
Whether teachers or administrators should be notified that your child carries a device.
When it is appropriate to contact you, and when they should instead seek help from a trusted adult at school.

Help your child understand that having a phone is never an excuse to disregard classroom expectations or school policies.

Apps, Games, and Social Media

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is handing over a smartphone before deciding what their child is actually allowed to access.

Before downloading a single app, decide:

Which apps require parental approval.
Whether social media is allowed at all.
Which games are appropriate.
Whether in-app purchases are permitted.
How requests for new apps will be handled.
What happens if restrictions are bypassed or apps are downloaded without permission.

Many popular social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) (9), although some services have higher minimum ages or additional requirements. Keep in mind that meeting the minimum age doesn't necessarily mean a platform is appropriate for your child. Consider your child's maturity, emotional readiness, and ability to navigate online interactions safely before allowing access.

Approved Contacts and Communication

Your child's first phone doesn't need to provide unrestricted access to everyone.

Decide together:

Who your child may call or text.
Whether only parent-approved contacts will be allowed.
How they should respond to unknown phone numbers.
Whether group chats are permitted.
Appropriate hours for texting or calling friends.
Whether photos and videos may be shared.
What they should do if someone sends inappropriate, threatening, or uncomfortable messages.

Teach your child that they should never feel obligated to respond to every message immediately and that they should always come to you if something online makes them feel unsafe or uneasy.

Privacy and Monitoring

Few parenting topics generate more debate than monitoring a child's phone. While every family approaches privacy differently, transparency is essential.

Rather than secretly checking your child's device, explain from the beginning:

What information you may be able to see.
What you plan to monitor and why.
When you may review messages, apps, or browsing history.
What privacy they can reasonably expect.
How increased responsibility will lead to increased independence over time.

Present monitoring as coaching and not spying. As children demonstrate good judgment, many families gradually reduce oversight while continuing regular conversations about online experiences.

Loss, Damage, and Consequences

Phones are expensive, and accidents happen. Before handing over a device, discuss who is responsible for caring for it.

Set expectations such as:

Charging the device every night.
Using a protective case and screen protector.
Keeping the phone in a designated place when not in use.
Reporting a lost or damaged device immediately.
Understanding who will pay for preventable damage or replacement.
Knowing the consequences if agreed-upon rules are repeatedly broken.

Consequences should be reasonable, consistent, and directly related to the behavior whenever possible.

Set a Phone Curfew

One of the simplest ways to encourage healthy digital habits is by establishing a nightly phone curfew.

Research has consistently found that screen use before bedtime can interfere with sleep by delaying melatonin release and making it more difficult to fall asleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating technology-free bedtime routines and keeping devices out of children's bedrooms overnight whenever possible.

Consider rules such as:

Phones are docked in a family charging station each evening.
Devices stay out of bedrooms overnight.
No phone use during the final one to two hours before bedtime.
Alarm clocks replace phones as wake-up devices.
Parents follow the same bedtime technology expectations whenever possible.

Healthy sleep habits benefit the entire family.

Help Your Child Build Healthy Phone Habits

Giving your child a phone isn't a one-time decision, it's the beginning of an ongoing conversation. Even adults struggle to maintain healthy relationships with technology, so it's unrealistic to expect children to navigate the digital world without guidance.

Instead of focusing solely on restrictions, work toward helping your child develop lifelong digital habits that promote balance and well-being.

Some healthy habits worth establishing include:

Create device-free routines. Protect meals, homework, family activities, and bedtime from unnecessary screen distractions.
Charge devices outside the bedroom. Keeping phones out of bedrooms reduces late-night scrolling and supports healthy sleep habits.
Use built-in parental controls and screen time tools. Technology can help reinforce the limits you've already established.
Encourage offline interests. Sports, music, reading, outdoor play, hobbies, volunteering, and time with friends all help create a healthy balance.
Don't let the phone become the cure for boredom. Children benefit from learning creativity, patience, and independent play without immediately turning to a screen.
Pay attention to changes in behavior. If phone use begins interfering with sleep, school performance, family relationships, physical activity, or emotional well-being, it may be time to reevaluate your family's technology rules.
Adjust expectations as your child grows. Independence should be earned over time. As children demonstrate responsibility, honesty, and good judgment, consider gradually expanding privileges.

Perhaps the most important habit you can model is your own. Children notice when adults scroll through dinner, answer texts during conversations, or keep phones within arm's reach at all times. Remember, your kids are watching and modeling responsible usage speaks volumes.

Warning Signs to Watch For

A child's relationship with technology isn't static, it changes as they grow, their interests evolve, and their digital world expands. That's why it's important for parents to regularly evaluate not just how much time their child spends on a device, but how phone use is affecting their daily life.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Phone Use

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to look beyond screen-time totals and consider whether digital media is supporting, or interfering with, a child's overall health and development. (10) If you begin noticing several of the following signs, it may be time to reevaluate your family's technology rules and expectations.

Warning signs that phone or screen use may be becoming problematic include:

Screen use regularly interferes with sleep.
Devices replace physical activity or outdoor play.
They lose interest in hobbies, family activities, or in-person friendships.
Turning off the device leads to frequent conflict.
Schoolwork or learning begins to suffer.
Mood changes become more noticeable after extended screen use.
Online interactions replace face-to-face relationships.
Screen use crowds out healthy childhood experiences.

It's important to remember that one bad day doesn't necessarily mean your child has an unhealthy relationship with technology. Instead, look for patterns over time. If you notice multiple warning signs occurring consistently, it's worth taking a closer look at how your child's device is being used.

If concerns persist or screen use appears to be contributing to significant changes in your child's mood, behavior, relationships, sleep, or academic performance, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your child's pediatrician, school counselor, or another qualified health or mental health professional.

Choose the Right Level of Connection for Your Child

One of the biggest misconceptions about children's technology is that there are only two choices: no phone or a fully featured smartphone. In reality, there are many ways to introduce technology gradually while matching your child's developmental stage and your family's needs.

There is no one age fits all to give a child a phone. Some children may be ready earlier because they spend time away from home, participate in extracurricular activities, or need a reliable way to communicate with parents. Others may benefit from waiting longer, even if many of their peers already have smartphones.

Instead of focusing on birthdays or grade levels, focus on readiness. Ask yourself:

Does my child have a legitimate need to communicate independently?
Are they responsible enough to care for an expensive device?
Can they follow household rules consistently?
Do they demonstrate good judgment both online and offline?
Am I prepared to stay actively involved in their digital life?

Remember, a child can need a way to call or text a parent without being ready for unrestricted internet access, social media, or a pocket-sized entertainment device. For many families, introducing technology gradually allows children to develop responsibility before gaining greater digital independence.

Whether you begin with a basic phone, a smartwatch, or eventually transition to a smartphone, the most important factors remain the same. Establish clear expectations, maintain open communication, revisit the rules as your child matures, and stay engaged in their digital world.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Make a Family Media Plan
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/How-to-Make-a-Family-Media-Use-Plan.aspx
Common Sense Media, Cellphones and Devices: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/cellphones-and-devices-a-guide-for-parents-and-caregivers
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Preparing For Your Child’s First Smart Phone
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Preparing_Childs_First_Cell_Phone-140.aspx
U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Making a Family Plan for Summer Screen Time
https://www.ftc.gov/2026/06/making-family-plan-summer-screen-time
U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Kids and Phones
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/kids-cell-phones
Stallman, Paige: University of Michigan, When should your teen get a cell phone? 5 things to consider
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-lab/when-should-your-teen-get-cell-phone-5-things-consider
The American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Media Plan
https://digitaled.ws.portageps.org/resources/contracts
American Academy of Pediatrics, Beyond Screen Time: A Parent's Guide to Media Use
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Beyond-Screen-Time.aspx
U.S. Federal Trade Commission, The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/privacy-security/childrens-privacy
American Academy of Pediatrics, Beyond Screen Time: A Parent's Guide to Media Use
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Beyond-Screen-Time.aspx