At some point, almost every parent faces the question: “When should my child get their first phone?” For tweens — usually between the ages of 9 and 12 — the pressure can feel especially strong. By the time they start secondary school (around age 11), many children already have a phone, and peer pressure can make it difficult to hold back.
But the truth is, there isn’t a single “right age.” The best time depends on your child’s maturity, your family’s circumstances, and whether they’re ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a phone.
Every Child Is Different
Some children are naturally more independent and organised, while others may take a little longer to manage responsibilities. A good question to ask is: Can my child look after their belongings, follow family rules, and handle screen time without constant supervision?
Practical Reasons to Consider
There are genuine reasons why parents in the UK decide to give their tween a phone:
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Safety and independence — If your child is starting to walk to school alone, use public transport, or attend after-school clubs, having a phone gives both of you peace of mind.
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Secondary school readiness — Many children get their first phone as they move up to Year 7 (age 11), when timetables change and travel independence increases.
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Staying connected — Phones can help tweens keep in touch with friends, especially as social lives expand outside school hours.
The Challenges to Keep in Mind
Phones can also bring new pressures. Social media apps (most of which have a minimum age of 13) can expose tweens to online drama, cyberbullying, or content they’re not ready for. Screen time battles are also common, and younger children may find it harder to switch off.
Remember: It’s Your Decision
The timing is ultimately up to you, not to “what everyone else is doing.” Some UK parents hold off until Year 7 (age 11), while others wait until 12 or 13. Others may give a basic handset earlier if their child is travelling independently. There’s no strict rule — just what feels right for your family.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
If you do decide it’s time for a phone:
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Start with a basic model or one with limited features.
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Set clear rules for usage (no phones at the dinner table, overnight charging outside the bedroom, etc.).
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Talk openly about online safety, including why apps have age restrictions.
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Keep conversations ongoing — the best safety tool is trust.
Final Thoughts
For UK parents, the “best time” for a tween to get their first phone is usually around the transition to secondary school (age 11–12), but it varies. What matters most is whether your child is ready to handle the responsibility — and whether you, as their parent, feel it’s the right moment. With clear boundaries, age-appropriate choices, and plenty of guidance, your tween can learn to use a phone safely and responsibly.
