Getting Cell Phones for Kids

**This blog post was updated on September 7, 2023.**

If kids who don’t have smartphones are to be believed, they are literally the only ones in their class without them. And while most of them will get one eventually, that doesn’t make it any easier for parents to decide exactly when is the right time to get cell phones for kids.

Some parents choose to tie that moment to milestones like graduation, bar or bat mitzvahs, and specific grade levels or birthdays. Others prefer to wait until their kid has reached a certain level of maturity before granting them such a privilege. At Bark, we recognize that every family is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to parenting in the digital age. Whether it’s set to milestones or maturity, here are some thoughts for parents to consider when getting their kid their first smartphone.

Cell Phones for Kids at Milestones

Digital devices make for great gifts. They allow kids to have access to a whole new world of games, tools, and social media platforms. But it’s hard enough as it is to decide whether to get them an Apple or Android. So for parents, choosing a designated time or event to serve as a rite of passage can seem like a no-brainer. It also helps their kid understand that no amount of begging or bribery will speed up the process — they’ll get it when it’s time, and that’s that.

In the meantime, it’s important for families to talk about the responsibilities that come along with their first smartphone. As excited as they are to be able to get on Snapchat (which, by the way, is not something every family will allow — here’s why), they’ll need to be coached on how to be responsible with their new online freedoms. It’s human nature to make mistakes — especially when it comes to young people and their first devices. It’s not a matter of if, but when. And when the time comes, they’ll need to know what to do when they find themselves in over their heads.

Parents play an essential role in preparing their kids for life in the online world. By taking the time to talk to them about the realities of life online — cyberbullying, social media, sexting, and other digital dangers — their kids can grow into responsible digital citizens.

Security With Maturity

While gifting your kid a smartphone at a predetermined time might work for many families, kids grow up at different rates. In a single class of eighth graders, some might have the emotional maturity of juniors in high school, while others may not act quite as we’d expect for their age. For parents who would have more peace of mind waiting until their kids are ready before expanding their privileges, it makes more sense to give them their first smartphone once they’ve shown that they can handle the new responsibility.

There are lots of ways that kids can show their maturity, whether it’s through their consistently good judgment or behavior, a strong academic performance, or even by making it through a difficult time with an impressive level of grace and determination. Parents can keep tabs on their maturity by checking in often. They can also have their child sign a technology contract that holds them accountable for their online behavior.

Finally, when considering their first smartphone, it helps to talk to them about technology issues in particular. Have they experienced or witnessed cyberbullying? Do they know about online grooming? Do they struggle with depression? And as a parent, are you aware that Google Docs can be a hotbed for cyberbullying? Do you know all the ways your child can access the internet and the variety of parental controls that are available to you? Each of these questions can open the door to broader discussions about growing up in a digital age, and they can help you determine that your child is ready for a smartphone.

Is Your Child Ready For A Phone?

One of the most frequently asked questions we get here at Bark is, “How do I know my child is ready for a phone?” So we made a quick and handy quiz to help you find out where your family stands!

Help Keep Them Safe With the Bark Phone

The Bark Phone is an absolute game-changer when it comes to online safety, and it's the best cell phone for kids out there. It’s a Samsung A series that comes with Bark built-in, as well as robust parental controls like GPS-powered location tracking, app management, call blocking, and more. Bark also can’t be deleted, and the parental controls are completely customizable so it grows with your child. The best part? It has a sleek and modern design, so teens and tweens will be excited to use it. Order yours today! The Bark Phone starts at $39/month with no contract required.