the problem is not just phones. it is any access to internet via game, computer, tablet or phone.

I know a 11 year old who was given a basic mobile phone to be used in emergencies only. her parents found out they could lock appropriate phone numbers into it and lock everything else out.

I’ve already had this discussion with my eldest who will be ten this year. She knows she’s not getting a phone until she NEEDS one. We’ve defined needs as once she’s old enough to go to and from school on her own. She does have IDs in her year at school with phones already (none of which travel on heir own yet), it’s an unnecessary and expensive item to buy willy nilly for a child who will use it more as a toy than as a communication device.

My daughter got it when she started high school. She was 12 thus.

My 8 year old only got a tablet this year on her birthday & it’s an older reconditioned model so at some point will need updating but it does what she needs…. no way on a phone yet ????????

We gave our eldest 2 a mobile phone on their 13th birthday.

I don’t think it’s a matter of smart phones but internet usage in general

I think kids should be allowed to have smartphones after age of 18

My 7 and 9 year old both have smart phones but it has no calls except for emergency calls. We got them so they could use games/apps at home and out when necessary.

Agreed, everything posted is on the Internet for eternity. Giving children personal technology early in life begins secretive behaviour. You can tell children what is right and wrong but fact is they will hide the wrong because they presume the device will be taken away. With location services on a lot of apps things can go sideways quite swiftly. So whilst it’s nice being able to contact your children conveniently, it provides additional opportunity for others to locate them also. Plus there are the bullying elements they are not ready for and there is no getting away from it.