Handing your child their first phone can feel like a huge parenting milestone. On one hand, it brings peace of mind knowing you can reach them when they are out and about. On the other, it opens the door to worries about screen time, online safety, and peer pressure. Many UK parents wonder: What is the right age for a child to have their first phone?
As a parent myself, I know this question does not have a one size fits all answer. Based on personal experience, expert advice, and trusted UK sources like the NHS, Ofcom, and NSPCC, this guide will walk you through the factors to consider before buying your child their first phone.
You will learn about the average age UK children get a phone, the benefits and risks, clear signs that your child might be ready, and practical steps to keep them safe online. By the end, you will feel more confident in making the right choice for your family.
What It Really Means for Kids to Have a First Phone
A child’s first phone is not just a device. It is a gateway to independence, communication, and responsibility. For parents, it often starts with the simple reassurance of being able to call or message their child after school. For children, it may mean staying connected with friends, playing games, or exploring social media.
According to Ofcom’s 2024 Children and Parents report, most UK children now own a phone by age 9, and the majority have a smartphone by age 11. The NHS does not set an official age, but it advises parents to set limits on screen time and ensure devices do not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interaction.
Expert Tip: Think of a phone as a tool. The right time to introduce it is when your child can use it responsibly, not just when their friends have one.
Why Parents Consider Giving Kids a Phone
Parents often feel pressure to give their child a phone sooner than planned. Here are the most common reasons:
- Safety and communication: To contact your child when they walk to school, attend clubs, or stay with friends.
- Peer pressure: Many children ask for a phone because their classmates have one.
- School use: Some secondary schools allow phones for homework apps or online learning tools.
- Family organisation: Messaging apps can help coordinate busy family schedules.
This often happens around the transition from primary to secondary school, when children gain more independence.
Parent Tip: Remind yourself that just because other kids have a phone, it doesn’t mean your child needs one at the same age. Every child’s readiness is different.
Signs Your Child May Be Ready for a Phone
Every child develops responsibility at their own pace. Here are some positive signs that your child may be ready:
- They remember rules and follow them without constant reminders
- They keep track of belongings like homework, books, or sports kit
- They understand basic online safety rules, such as not sharing personal information
- They can manage screen time without constant arguments
- They express interest in using a phone responsibly, not just for games or social media
Most cases are mild and not harmful if you decide to wait. A child who is not yet showing these signs may simply need more time before managing a phone.
Pro Tip: A great first step is to start with a basic phone (calls and texts only) before upgrading to a smartphone.
What Age Do Most UK Kids Get a Phone?
The average age for a first phone varies, but research shows clear trends.
| Child’s Age | Percentage with Own Phone (UK) | Typical Parent Reasons |
| 7–8 years | 18% | Safety during playdates, pressure from peers |
| 9–10 years | 44% | Walking to school independently |
| 11–12 years | 91% | Starting secondary school, keeping in touch |
| 13–15 years | 97% | Social media, schoolwork, independence |
By age 11, most UK children own their own smartphone. However, experts like the NSPCC encourage parents to focus less on age and more on readiness.
How Parents Can Support Kids With Their First Phone
At Home Strategies
- Set clear boundaries: Agree on rules about screen time, bedtime use, and which apps are allowed.
- Family phone contract: Write down rules together so your child feels included.
- Teach online safety early: Show them how to block and report unwanted contact.
- Encourage balance: Phones should not replace physical play, reading, or family time.
Parent Tip: We found that keeping phones out of bedrooms at night helped our child sleep better and prevented late night texting.
When to Talk to a Professional
You may want extra guidance if:
- Your child shows signs of phone addiction
- They are being bullied online
- Screen use affects sleep, appetite, or mood
- You feel overwhelmed by online safety concerns
Your GP or school’s safeguarding lead can provide advice. The NSPCC helpline is also available for parents needing support.
Choosing the Right Phone
- Basic phone (calls and texts): A good starting point for younger children.
- Entry level smartphone: Best for older kids who need internet access for schoolwork.
- Parental controls: Most smartphones allow you to manage downloads, set screen time limits, and monitor use.
Expert Tip: Buy the phone in your name so you can control contracts, data limits, and parental settings.
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Kids With Phones
- Do agree on phone free times (meals, bedtime)
- Do check privacy settings on apps and social media
- Do talk regularly about online safety and digital wellbeing
- Don’t allow unlimited screen time without supervision
- Don’t assume your child understands the risks of sharing personal information
- Don’t ignore your instincts if something feels off, check in with your child
Emotional Reassurance for Parents
It is normal to feel nervous about giving your child their first phone. If you are feeling guilty or unsure, please remember: this decision is not about keeping up with other families. It is about what is right for your child and your household.
If your child is pressuring you because “everyone else has one,” reassure them that waiting a little longer is not unusual. Many families take gradual steps, starting with shared devices or basic phones before moving on to smartphones.
Pro Tip: Frame the phone as a responsibility, not a reward. This helps your child understand it comes with expectations.
FAQs on Kids and First Phones
What age should a child have a phone in the UK?
Most UK children own a smartphone by age 11, according to Ofcom. However, readiness depends on maturity and family needs.
How old do you have to be to have a phone?
There is no legal minimum age. Parents decide when their child is ready. Social media platforms usually require users to be at least 13.
What age should a child get their first phone?
The average is around 9 to 11, but experts like the NSPCC recommend focusing on maturity, not just age.
How can I keep my child safe with a phone?
Set clear rules, use parental controls, and talk openly about online safety.
Should I give my child a smartphone or a basic phone first?
Many parents start with a basic phone before upgrading to a smartphone as their child demonstrates responsibility.
Conclusion
Deciding when your child should get their first phone is not always easy. In the UK, most children own one by secondary school, but the right time depends on your child’s maturity and your family’s circumstances.
Most importantly, remember that giving your child a phone does not mean handing over unlimited freedom. With the right boundaries, safety measures, and open conversations, a phone can be a useful tool rather than a source of worry.
As a parent, I know how easy it is to question your choices. But you are not alone millions of families face the same decision each year. Trust your instincts, seek advice when needed, and choose what feels right for your child.
