Noor Says NoWhat age should your child get a first phone?
Sources reviewed on November 1, 2026. Based on public advice, see below.
There is no single right age. Penn State PRO Wellness reports the American Academy of Pediatrics' view: no right age for children to start using technology, and no rush. Decide based on your family's needs. For a child of 4 to 7, a phone of their own usually isn't needed yet.
What do experts say?
Penn State PRO Wellness says experts and parents are divided, and that there's no long-term research yet on the effects. It describes the AAP's approach: introduce technology as needed, keep the pace developmentally appropriate, and make a Family Media Plan.
What is a Family Media Plan?
A plan you make as a family, from the AAP at HealthyChildren.org. Penn State lists what it can include: a media curfew, your family's values around technology, and talking about how the internet works.
What questions can you ask yourself?
- Why does my child need this now? Calling me, or something else?
- Would a watch or a basic phone do the job?
- Does my child follow rules and tell me when something goes wrong?
- Can I set up parental controls, and do I actually check them?
These questions are ours. They are not from a study.
What can a child of 4 to 7 already learn?
Most of what matters later: don't tap on things you don't know, don't send pictures, and show a grown-up. KidsHealth's list for children says never to share personal information and always to tell a parent about anything scary or hurtful.
What about tablets?
The same rules apply. A tablet with games can open chat and messages too. Keep it in a shared room. Read what online grooming is.
Frequently asked questions
When do most kids get a phone?
Penn State cites 2017 Nielsen data: 45% of children aged 10 to 12 had a smartphone with a service plan. That is old data, and common doesn't mean right.
Is there a law on age for apps?
In the US, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act protects kids under 13, says KidsHealth. Apps also set their own age rules.
Keep reading
- How do you set up parental controls on a tablet or phone?
- Is YouTube Kids safe for your child?
- What is online grooming, and how do you protect your child?
All topics are in the overview of parents' questions. The big picture is in the guide How do you help keep your child safe online? A guide for ages 4 to 8. Want to practice this with your child? That's why the picture book Noor Says No was made.
Sources
Each source was read on November 1, 2026. These organizations are not connected to this site or the book.
- Penn State PRO Wellness: What is the right age to give your child a smartphone?.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: How to Make a Family Media Plan.
- Nemours KidsHealth: Internet Safety for Kids & Teens.
This is general information, not a replacement for professional help. Worried about a child? In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. Immediate danger: call 911 or 999.
