We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
MSE Poll: At what age should kids be given their own mobile?

MSE_Petar
Posts: 365 MSE Staff


Poll started 27 July 2021
Are smartphones a tool that allows kids more freedom or just another digital distraction? This week, we want to know what age you think it's generally acceptable for a child to have their first mobile phone.
Click here to vote in the poll
Did you vote? Are you surprised at the results so far? Have your say below.
If you haven't already, join the forum to reply.
Thanks!
0
Comments
-
11 seems the ideal age, when they change from Primary to Secondary school. Most children then have to travel by public transport then, so need a way to contact parents if there is a problem.0
-
The question isn't great because it doesn't differentiate between smartphones and old-style phones. We've just allowed our 12 yo to have a texts-and-calls only phone, but won't be getting a smartphone for several years.0
-
OctaviaP said:The question isn't great because it doesn't differentiate between smartphones and old-style phones. We've just allowed our 12 yo to have a texts-and-calls only phone, but won't be getting a smartphone for several years.0
-
I went to primary school in the 90s and started secondary school in the year 2000. Therefore I was probably among the first generation for which phones became affordable enough for parents to buy them for their children.
I didn't get my first phone until I was 13/14, but back then the only thing you could do was text, call, and play Snake (Nokia was king). I think my peers only really started getting phones when they were in secondary school and I think it was extremely rare for anyone in primary school to have a phone.
I can understand why a child of secondary school age might need a phone, but when I hear of primary school children being given phones, I find it pretty shocking. Why does someone who is 8/9 years old need a phone?
Also, when I was at school phones were banned because they are distracting. I was quite surprised recently to hear that a lot of schools now allow phones. I don't see why kids need to take phones to school when teachers can surely get hold of parents pretty easily.0 -
My daughter's now grown but I would have given her a basic one at age 11. Texting and calling only though because smart phones have access to the internet and I'd have wanted to monitor that usage. Not because I didn't trust her but because smart phones are just too smart. A few months ago TikTok allowed a film of someone committing suicide on their app and it wasn't removed for some time. Things like that concern me. There seems to be no regulation of some sites and apps and I'd not want any child to see such a thing on their phone.Please note - taken from the Forum Rules and amended for my own personal use (with thanks) : It is up to you to investigate, check, double-check and check yet again before you make any decisions or take any action based on any information you glean from any of my posts. Although I do carry out careful research before posting and never intend to mislead or supply out-of-date or incorrect information, please do not rely 100% on what you are reading. Verify everything in order to protect yourself as you are responsible for any action you consequently take.0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.2K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.8K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.1K Spending & Discounts
- 243.1K Work, Benefits & Business
- 597.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.5K Life & Family
- 256.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards