When Should You Give Your Kid Their First Phone?
It’s one of the biggest questions parents ask right now, especially in the summer.
When is the right time to give your kid their first phone?
There’s no perfect age. For most families, it comes down to one thing: staying connected.
Summer changes everything. Kids are outside more, going to friends’ houses, biking around the neighbourhood, and parents want a way to check in.
Why Parents Feel Pressure to Give Kids a Phone
A smartphone feels like the easiest solution.
- Call or text when plans change
- Stay in touch throughout the day
- Reach parents in an emergency
But a phone also brings social media, games, notifications, and distractions that many parents are not ready for yet.
A Middle Ground: Smartwatches Instead of Smartphones
More parents are choosing a middle step instead of going straight to a phone.
A cellular smartwatch, like an Apple Watch set up for kids, can give children a way to stay connected without giving them the full smartphone experience.
- Kids can call and text approved contacts
- Parents can see their location
- There are fewer distractions than a phone
It gives kids a bit more independence while still giving parents peace of mind.
How Parents Stay Connected
This is where a connected watch can help, especially during the summer.
- Check your child’s location
- Call or text to check in
- Let your child reach you quickly if needed
What Does It Cost?
About $10 to $15 per month in Canada.
That usually covers calling, texting, and location sharing without needing a phone nearby. It is not free, but it is usually much less than adding a full smartphone plan.
Best Apple Watches for Kids
If you are considering this route, make sure you choose a GPS + Cellular model. That is what allows the watch to work without your child carrying a phone.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS + Cellular)
Best for most families
- More affordable
- Has the key features kids need
- Lightweight and comfortable
This is the sweet spot for most parents.
Check PriceApple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular)
More premium option
- Brighter display
- Faster performance
- More advanced health features
Not necessary for every kid, but a good upgrade if you want a more premium watch.
View OptionsWhat to Avoid
- GPS-only models: These need a phone nearby.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Great device, but too big and expensive for most kids.
How to Set It Up
- Get a GPS + Cellular Apple Watch
- Set it up using your iPhone
- Add a cellular plan through your carrier
Once it is set up, your child can call, text, and share their location without needing a phone.
The Bottom Line
There is no perfect answer to when a child should get their first phone.
But it does not have to be all or nothing.
A smartwatch can be a great middle step. It gives kids more independence while keeping parents connected.
