When should kids get cellphones? It depends.
Phone readiness is really a series of decisions. Start with why they need a device; give them only as much access as they’re ready to handle; and plan to reassess.
“When should I get my kid a phone?” Even as the research piles up, there’s still no one right answer. But the latest research does show it really depends on your responses to a few questions.
We reviewed the latest research and pulled out three questions that parents can focus on:
- Why does my kid need a phone?
- How much access are they ready for?
- When should we check in again?
Here’s how to think through each question.
Why does my kid need a phone?
Instead of focusing on a specific age that might be right for your child to have a phone, The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests asking why your child might need a device and using that answer to guide your decision.
For example, if your child is starting a new school, you may need a little reassurance that they can reach you. Maybe you’re in a co-parenting situation, and both you and your co-parent want to be able to stay in contact with your child.
Parents should also consider whether another option could work. A smartwatch can give younger kids a way to stay in touch without giving them all the distraction that comes with a smartphone.
The Verizon option for kids: Gizmo Watch 4. It has its own phone number and GPS location tracking and lets kids call, text or have a video chat with up to 40 contacts that parents can select. The watch also doesn’t allow access to social media or web browsing.
When they get a smartphone, what should I be aware of?
Be mindful of how much they use it and whether it starts interfering with sleep. A 2025-2026 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that teens who used their smartphones more were more likely to have insufficient sleep, depression and obesity. Teens who kept their phones out of the bedroom at night were less likely to have insufficient sleep.
Setting and keeping boundaries around screen time for kids is just as important as deciding when they’re ready for a phone.
The Verizon option: Verizon Family Plus. Parents can install the app on their phones and the companion app on their kids’ phones. Then, from one app dashboard, parents can monitor how much time kids are spending on websites and apps. The app can also help parents set content restrictions and time limits on the Wi-Fi access on their kids’ phones if kids need help sticking to the rules.
When should we check in again?
What’s right for your child right now may not be right for them six months from now. A watch may be enough for today, but a smartphone may make sense later.
So keep checking in:
- Are they using the device for the same reasons they said they needed it?
- Is the device interfering with sleep, school, physical activity or relationships?
- Does the current level of access still fit their maturity and behavior?
- What does your child think is working—or not working?
The research may not be able to tell you exactly when kids should get a phone. But you and your kid can decide what works for now. And you can always change your mind later.
All the freedom. None of the worry. The Verizon Gizmo Watch 4.
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