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Before introducing a smartphone, ask your child why they want one and what they think owning one will involve. Listen first, then discuss both the opportunities and the responsibilities.
Smartphone Readiness
Deciding when a child is ready for their first smartphone can be a challenging parenting decision. Readiness is not just about age. It also depends on a child’s maturity, self-regulation, judgement and ability to manage the responsibilities of being connected online.
To help families make a more informed decision, SchoolTV has developed an interactive Smartphone Readiness Quiz for parents to complete with their child. It explores key areas of readiness, encourages important conversations and provides suggested next steps, including a Family Smartphone Agreement and practical guidance on setting up parental controls before handing over a smartphone.
Practical ways to support your child’s smartphone readiness:
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1
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Start with a conversation
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Start with a conversation
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2
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Focus on readiness, not age
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Focus on readiness, not age
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A child’s maturity, judgement, self-control and ability to follow family expectations are far better indicators of readiness than their age or year level.
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3
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Assess social maturity
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Assess social maturity
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Consider how your child manages friendships, resolves conflict, responds to peer pressure and follows rules offline. These skills often predict how they will behave online.
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4
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Teach online safety before they begin
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Teach online safety before they begin
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Help your child learn how to protect their personal information, recognise unsafe situations, use privacy settings and know when and how to seek help.
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5
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Set clear family expectations
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Set clear family expectations
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Create a Family Technology Agreement together, including rules about screen time, approved apps, device-free times and where smartphones can and cannot be used, such as keeping phones out of bedrooms overnight.
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6
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Use parental controls
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Use parental controls
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Set up the built-in safety features available on smartphones to filter content, manage screen time and approve app downloads before your child starts using the device.
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7
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Talk about digital reputation
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Talk about digital reputation
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Help your child understand that what they post, share or even “like” online can leave a lasting digital footprint that may influence future opportunities.
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8
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Encourage critical thinking
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Encourage critical thinking
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Teach your child to question what they see online by asking: Is this real? Who created it? Why was it shared? Developing these habits helps protect against misinformation, manipulation and online scams.
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9
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Stay engaged
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Stay engaged
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Regularly ask about the apps they use, the games they play, who they interact with online and whether anything has made them feel uncomfortable. Ongoing conversations build trust and confidence.
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10
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Normalise help-seeking
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Normalise help-seeking
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Make it clear that your child can always come to you if something goes wrong online. Respond calmly and supportively so they are not afraid of losing access to their device.
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11
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Model healthy technology habits
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Model healthy technology habits
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Children notice how adults use technology. Demonstrate balanced screen use by putting devices away during meals, prioritising sleep and making time for offline activities together.
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12
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Remind them that having a smartphone is a privilege
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Remind them that having a smartphone is a privilege
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Consider introducing the device as a family-owned smartphone rather than a personal possession. This reinforces that access comes with responsibilities, ongoing guidance and appropriate supervision as your child develops the skills to use it safely.
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