Especially in this day and age, it’s hard to imagine life without technology. Many of us still belong to the generation that grew up without smartphones and the like. But those days are slowly coming to an end. For many parents, it’s reassuring to know that they can reach their child at any time, and that their child, conversely, can also reach them at any time. No matter whether it’s about the child missing the bus or something similar. But at what age does it make sense to have a cell phone?

Elementary School Children Are Generally Too Young

Of course, there is no ideal age at which a cell phone is appropriate. This is often an individual decision. However, it can be said that elementary school children should not use their own cell phone as a rule. If one is too unsure, however, there is also the possibility of organizing an “emergency cell phone”, which can be located and called. It does not have Internet access; thus, children cannot access any games or apps. The child can also only call numbers saved by you.

From The Age Of 10 You Can Think About A Cell Phone

As technology changes, cell phones have become a part of everyday life – even for school-age children. More than 84% of 12- to 13-year-old children already own a smartphone. The reason for this is often the change from primary to secondary school. For many children, it is important to own a cell phone because their friends also have one. The fear of being treated as an outsider is understandable. I mean, who didn’t have that at that age? For parents, one reason often cited is that from this age on, children are more often on their own. Most cell phones can be tracked nowadays, which gives many parents a calmer feeling. However, it is important to make sure that the children do not use the cell phone out of boredom or that it does not distract them from learning.

What Parents Should Watch Out For

Smartphones are an all-rounder device and are by no means only suitable for making phone calls. They can be used to take photos, access the Internet, download apps and games, and much more. That’s why it’s important to teach children how to use smartphones and the Internet appropriately. You should discuss with your child what they are allowed to do and how they should handle personal information and pictures. In addition, the child should not use it for more than one hour per day and it should be discussed when it is allowed to use the cell phone. It should be turned off completely at school and during meals. The costs involved should also be taken into account. For this reason, a prepaid card should be used. If this is empty, the child can not just call and go on the Internet, so you have better control.

There Is No Perfect Age

All in all, it is almost impossible to determine a suitable age. However, before the age of 10, you should really think seriously about whether a cell phone is really necessary. If the child is ready to handle the cell phone responsibly, there is nothing against it. However, one should make sure that the child also concentrates on other things, such as school, and that the time spent on the cell phone is not too much. Once the child has learned to use the cell phone responsibly, one can think about investing in a cell phone. However, when exactly this time is is an individual decision and should be decided by everyone themselves.