When Should a Child Get Their First Smartphone?

Smartphones are a big part of everyday life, but when is the right time for a child to have one? There's no universal answer—every child is different, and every family has unique needs. Some parents give their children a phone at a young age to stay in touch, while others wait until middle school or later.

Before handing over a smartphone, consider a few key factors: your child's age, level of responsibility, and safety measures to protect them online.

Let's take a closer look at what you need to think about before making this decision.

How Old Should a Child Be to Get a Smartphone?

There's no official "right age" for a first phone. However, research shows that many children receive their first smartphone between the ages of 10 and 12 as many feel a phone is necessary for safety reasons in elementary school.

Here are some general guidelines:

• 6-9 years old: A smartphone isn't usually necessary at this age. If communication is important, consider a basic phone with call and text functions instead of a smartphone.
• 10-12 years old: This is when many kids start asking for a phone. If they need one for school, activities, or emergencies, a phone with limited features (like parental controls) might be a good choice.
• 13+ years old: By this age, most kids are using smartphones, but they still need guidance on online safety, privacy, and responsible phone use.

At What Age Do Children Get Their First Smartphone Around the Word?

Recent studies provide insight into the ages at which children typically acquire their first smartphones:

United States

According to Common Sense Media, 42% of kids have a phone by age 10, 71% have one by age 12 and 91% own a smartphone by age 14.

United Kingdom

According to Statista, smartphone ownership among children in the UK follows this pattern:

• 25% of 3- to 4-year-olds
• 24% of 5- to 7-year-olds
• 59% of 8- to 11-year-olds
• 95% of 12- to 15-year-olds
• 98% of 16- to 17-year-olds

Spain

In Spain, children typically receive their first mobile phone at age 12. According to a study by Qustodio, 22% of parents believe this is an appropriate age for smartphone ownership.

Global Perspective

Approximately 50% of children aged 5 to 14 worldwide own a mobile phone, and about 20% of children under 5 have one. 

But age isn't the only thing that matters. It's just as important to assess whether your child is ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a smartphone. Consider their ability to follow rules, manage screen time, and handle online interactions safely before making a decision.

Is Your Child Responsible Enough for a Smartphone?

Owning a smartphone is a big responsibility. It gives children access to the internet, social media, and messaging apps—but it also opens the door to risks like cyberbullying, screen addiction, and online scams.

Ask yourself:

• Does my child follow rules at home and school?
• Can they manage screen time without constant reminders?
• Do they understand the risks of talking to strangers online?
• Will they tell me if they see something inappropriate or concerning?

If the answer to most of these is "no," it might be a sign that they need more time before getting a smartphone.

The Safety Risks of Giving a Child a Smartphone

Smartphones connect children to the world, but they also expose them to risks. Here are some of the biggest concerns parents should be aware of:

• Screen addiction: Phones can be distracting, making it hard for kids to focus on schoolwork and sleep properly.

Related: 10 Screen Time Rules Every Parent Should Set for a Healthy Digital Balance

• Social media dangers: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat can expose kids to harmful content, cyberbullying, and pressure to fit in.

Related: Teach Your Kid How to Stand Up to a Bully: 7 Powerful Ways

• Online predators: Some people pretend to be kids online to gain trust and take advantage of children.

Related: Talking to Strangers Online: Tips to Teach Your Kids About Digital Safety

• Scams and fraud: Kids may not recognize phishing attempts, fake apps, or scams designed to steal personal information.

How to Set Up a Child's First Smartphone for Safety

If you've decided your child is ready for a smartphone, setting it up with the right safety measures is essential. A phone isn't just a way for kids to stay in touch—it can also expose them to online risks like malware, phishing scams, and privacy threats. Taking the time to configure security settings will help protect their personal information and give you peace of mind.

1. Install Mobile Protection

A smartphone can be an easy target for online threats, so installing mobile security should be your first step. Bitdefender Mobile Security helps keep your child's phone safe by blocking dangerous websites, stopping phishing attempts, and protecting personal data from hackers and malicious apps.

2. Enable Parental Controls

Built-in tools allow you to set limits on app usage, internet time, and content access. For more advanced protection, Bitdefender Parental Control offers extra security features, including:

• Filtering inappropriate content – Blocks harmful websites and apps.
• Setting internet time limits – Helps manage when and how long your child can use their device.
• Tracking location safely – Lets you check your child's location without invading their privacy.
• Monitoring online activity – Gives you insights into how your child uses their phone and helps spot potential risks.

3. Turn Off Location Sharing

Many apps request location access, but not all of them need it. Limit location services to prevent strangers or unwanted apps from tracking your child's whereabouts.

4. Block Unknown Contacts & Secure Messaging

To reduce the risk of scams, online predators, or unwanted messages, restrict your child's phone so they can only receive calls and texts from approved contacts.

5. Teach Password Security

Strong passwords are essential for keeping accounts safe. Help your child create secure passwords and explain why they should never share them with friends, even those they trust.

6. Talk About Online Safety & Privacy

Having ongoing conversations about digital safety is just as important as setting up security features. Teach your child the risks of sharing personal information online and why they should avoid chatting with strangers.

Related: How to Talk About Digital Privacy with Kids

7. Keep Communication Open

Encourage your child to talk to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about something they see online. Let them know that their phone is a tool for connection, but it also comes with responsibilities.

For complete family protection, consider Bitdefender Premium Security. It includes everything your loved ones need, from advanced antivirus, phishing and fraud protection, a secure VPN for private browsing, a password manager, and real-time threat detection to parental control tools for keeping children safe online.