MSE Poll: At what age should kids be given their own mobile?

280 Posts


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
Latest MSE News and Guides
Replies
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.