We all know that the day will come that our kid will ask for a phone, or we know that they’ll need one. But how do we know that they’re ready, and that we’re also ready to navigate this new online space with them, and support their autonomy on the device? As part of our partnership with Google and YouTube for Safer Internet Month, we’re exploring some of their Be Internet Awesome resources – with the goal of empowering kids with tools and education to confidently and safely explore, grow, and play online.

Deciding the appropriate time to hand your kids a device of their own can be tough to navigate. The following guide can help you talk about the responsibilities that come with having a device and what it means to be ready.

*

Smartphones 101

Start by asking your kids why they think phones are important. Try to go beyond answers like “because everyone has one” or “it’s just the way the world is now.” The goal is for you to learn their perspective on how phones should be used.

The role of smartphones in our day-to-day lives

Discuss with your kids how they would use their phone if and when they receive one. Are all of those uses important? Are there ways to do those things without a phone? Would a phone help solve real challenges your kids are experiencing?

Describe expectations and responsibilities

Ask your kids to reflect on their own readiness and share your expectations for what they need to do in order to have their own phone. Share with your kids the realistic cost of a new phone, and discuss how you would handle it being lost or broken. You might also want to explain how a data plan and app purchases work, so they understand that even digital actions have real-life implications.

Are they ready?

Finally, have your kids brainstorm ways they can demonstrate that they are ready for their own phone. For example, how will they keep track of their own screen time? Or, how will they be responsible for managing the app purchases on their device? The Family Link tool is a great resource that can help here. 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: 

• Every kid is unique. There is no magic age when all kids are ready for devices of their own. The decision should be based on their maturity level and ability to handle the responsibility that comes with owning one.
• Talk about expectations. Even if your kids aren’t ready for a device, it’s valuable to talk with them about what your expectations are for when the time is right. This will help them understand the responsibility that comes with owning a device. 
• Get help with online security and safety. For information on teaching your kids about online security (like passwords) and safety (like who it’s OK to talk to on their device), visit the Be Internet Awesome website and our Safety Center
  

*

This content is part of Google’s Be Internet work, and has been republished with their permission.

*

Want to learn more about internet safety? Check out our last blog post about Screentime Strategies To Support Healthy media Experience For Kids