Everything before you hand them the phone.
The first phone is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. This guide walks you through every step before your child ever touches it—so you’re not setting up rules after problems start.
Who it’s for: Parents preparing to give their child a first smartphone, typically ages 10–14.
What’s inside: Device setup and parental control walkthrough, app-by-app review, screen time and charging rules, first phone contract template, and day-one conversations.
Format: 7-page PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions parents ask most about giving a child their first smartphone.
What age should my child get their first smartphone?
Most child development experts recommend waiting until ages 12–14 before giving a child their first smartphone. Readiness matters more than age: a child who consistently follows household rules, understands that online contacts can be strangers, and has agreed to a family phone contract is more prepared than one who simply turned 13.
What should I set up before giving my child their first phone?
Before handing over a first phone, enable Screen Time (iPhone) or Digital Wellbeing (Android), set a parental passcode, restrict app download permissions, turn off location sharing with strangers, disable in-app purchases, and agree on a family phone contract covering screen time limits, charging location, and which apps are allowed.
Which apps should be on a child's first phone?
A child's first phone should start with communication apps approved by the parent — typically a family group text and one video calling app. Resist adding social media immediately. School productivity apps, a maps app, and a camera are appropriate first additions. Add new apps one at a time, with a trial period before each becomes permanent.
Should a child's first phone have social media?
No — not for the first 3–6 months. A child's first phone should establish baseline communication and responsibility habits before social platforms are introduced. When social media is added, start with one platform, use all available parental settings, and maintain regular conversations about what your child is seeing and sharing.
How do I set parental controls on a child's first iPhone?
On an iPhone, go to Settings → Screen Time and tap Turn On Screen Time. Select "This is my child's iPhone," set a Screen Time passcode only you know, then use App Limits to cap social media and games, Content and Privacy Restrictions to block inappropriate content, and Communication Limits to control who your child can contact.
