There is no specific age at which it is appropriate to give your children a gadget. But, there are several factors to consider before getting your child a smartphone. Experts recommend waiting until your child reaches 8th grade before introducing them to a smartphone. At this age, they are more likely to have developed the necessary social awareness, understanding of technology, and maturity to handle the responsibility of owning a smartphone.

When considering your child’s maturity level, you should assess their ability to manage technology responsibly, use the internet safely, and respect the privacy of others. It is also important to consider their emotional and mental maturity level, as smartphones can potentially expose them to a wide range of content, some of which may be inappropriate for their age.

Furthermore, if your child tends to lose things frequently or is prone to impulsive behaviour, starting them off with a phone that does not allow access to social media, gaming, or web browsing may be helpful. This can help them build responsibility and develop good habits, such as keeping track of their belongings and prioritizing their time.