Experts suggest that you should wait to get your kid a smartphone until at least 8th grade. Along with age, a kid's social awareness, understanding of technology, and maturity should be considered.
“Ten to 12 is a great range because kids are still very connected to their parents and into their parents being in their phone and in their business,” says Catherine Pearlman, a licensed clinical social worker and author of “First Phone,” a guide for kids.
The right age to give kids their first cellphone is really up to you. Age isn't as important as your kid's maturity level, ability to follow rules at home and school, and sense of responsibility as well as your own family's needs.
It is also recommended that parents limit children between the age of two to five years to less than one hour of screen time a day (CPS, 2017). By this time, children are starting to enjoy independence from their parents. They spend most of their time in school and engage in extracurricular activities after school.
An iPhone is an especially good choice for a child if the rest of the family also uses Apple phones and devices. It's easy for the child to learn to use an operating system that the rest of the family uses as well, and using it is safe because parents can easily keep track of what their child is doing on their phone.
What age is TikTok recommended for? Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the basic TikTok features, although there is a way for younger kids to access the app.
The average age kids get a phone is between 12 and 13. With that in mind, it's up to the parents to be the best judge of whether their child is ready for a cell phone.
Typically, it's best for children under 13 not to engage in romantic relationships as they are still developing emotionally and cognitively. Healthy friendships are encouraged for teenagers between 13 and 15, but romantic relationships could be too much for them to handle.
Experts recommend no screen time for babies till the age of two. But in today's world, cell phones, TVs, tablets or laptops have become such an integral part of our lives that it's hard to keep your baby away from them completely.
You have to enter your birth date to set up an account, but there's no age verification, so it's easy for kids under 13 to sign up. Common Sense Media rates Snapchat OK for teens 16 and up, mainly because of the exposure to age-inappropriate content and the marketing ploys, such as quizzes, that collect data.
The experience of having a crush can begin as early as preschool, and crushes can continue to occur throughout one's life. Usually crushes are one-way, though sometimes they are reciprocated. In any form, crushes are common among prepubescent kids and satisfy important needs.
Ages four to six The experts are unequivocal: Kids in this age group shouldn't be using smartphones (or other mobile devices), period.
As a general guideline, Dr. Eagar advises not allowing single dating before age sixteen. “There's an enormous difference between a fourteen- or fifteen-year- old and a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old in terms of life experience,” he says.
Taking away a teen's phone interferes with their social life, which can drive a wedge between parent and teen. It's helpful to make the punishment related to the misbehavior, so taking away your teen's phone for a misbehavior like breaking curfew doesn't usually make sense.
Having a phone of their own may help kids socialize and build friendships. Older kids and teens may also use their phones to plan group schoolwork and social gatherings, or even play games together. "Phones can be a tool to promote social skills, such as using them to FaceTime with friends and family," says Reena B.
Between 2015 and 2021, regardless of their age, the share of children owning a smartphone in the United States grew. During the 2021 survey, it was found that 31 percent of responding 8-year-olds owned a smartphone, up from only 11 percent in 2015.
Summary: More than one-third of babies are tapping on smartphones and tablets even before they learn to walk or talk, and by one year of age, one in seven toddlers is using devices for at least an hour a day, according to a new study.
When it comes down to it, the fact is this: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children begin to watch TV and use screens only after reaching 18 months.
Recommended time limits
Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends. 2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling. 5-17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework.
Five to seven years is generally an acceptable age difference. However, there's no single right answer here, as it depends on the situation. As long as both partners are consenting adults, there's nothing preventing you from dating someone significantly older or younger than you are.
Typically, it's best for children under 13 not to engage in romantic relationships as they are still developing emotionally and cognitively. Healthy friendships are encouraged for teenagers between 13 and 15, but romantic relationships could be too much for them to handle.
Totally ok. Kissing at age 11 can be a great first experience! If you are the girl who is wanting to do the kissing, go ahead! Have fun!
Gabb phones are the world's safest smartphone option for kids, free from internet, games, and social media. It has GPS tracking, unlimited talk and text, bluetooth connection, and 14 kid-safe apps.
What is TikTok? TikTok is a video-sharing platform where you can watch and create videos, and livestream. The app has an age-rating of 13+.
It's also something that has a limited shelf life with your kid. Apple says it designed the service for kids ages five and up, but as mentioned, even my eight-year-old isn't independent enough to really make use of most of what it offers.