At what age should a child get their own phone still deciding smartphone with internet my child is asking now 11 to 13?

What the evidence says

There isn't one perfect age when a child is ready for a smartphone. Canada's Centre for Healthy Screen Use, part of the Canadian Paediatric Society, says experts disagree on the ideal age, but later is usually better because older kids can handle a phone more responsibly. They suggest thinking about whether your child truly needs one for safety reasons, like walking home alone or splitting time between two homes.

Instead of focusing only on age, Canadian and American experts suggest looking at your specific child. Ask yourself: do they lose things easily, act before thinking, pick up on social cues, and follow rules you already set for tablets or gaming? A child who struggles with these things may need more time before handling a smartphone well.

Some research offers numbers to consider. A survey of teens and young adults suggested 12 to 13 is when a phone starts feeling necessary for independence. Other observational research found kids who got phones around age 11 to 12 didn't necessarily do worse on sleep or mood than those who got them later, though a newer 2026 study found smartphone ownership by age 12 was linked to more depression, weight gain, and sleep trouble. These are pattern-based studies, not proof the phone itself is the cause.

You don't have to choose all-or-nothing. Many families start with a basic phone that only calls and texts, or a watch with limited features, before moving to a full smartphone with internet access later. This lets your child build trust and responsibility gradually, while you can add parental controls and clear rules about passwords, screen time, and where phones are allowed.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes there's no evidence that waiting harms a child, so if you feel your 11 to 13 year old isn't ready, delaying is a safe choice. Whatever age you pick, having an upfront conversation about expectations and checking in regularly matters more than the exact birthday on the calendar.