My child's first smartphone: tips to get started

Can I get my first smartphone?

Sooner or later, the question of a child’s first smartphone comes up. Between autonomy, safety, and screen time, it’s not always easy for parents to know when to take the plunge. Giving your child their first smartphone is a big step that requires some thought and a few ground rules to get off to a good start.

Is my child ready for a smartphone?

Signs that your child is ready

A good indicator is your child’s ability to:

  • Follow rules: screen time limits, phone-free periods, or permission to download an app.
  • Understand the risks of the internet: not sharing personal information, not responding to messages from strangers, etc.
  • Manage their screen time: Do they know when to stop when asked? Can they focus on activities without a screen?
  • Gain independence: commuting to school, extracurricular activities, hanging out with friends. A smartphone is useful for staying in touch with parents.

Questions to ask yourself before saying yes

Before giving your child their first smartphone, it may be helpful to take a moment to discuss their reasons and needs together:

  • Why does my child want a smartphone?
  • Do they really need one?
  • Are they ready to take on certain responsibilities?

At what age should you give your child their first smartphone?

Age can serve as a guideline, but it isn’t enough on its own. A child’s maturity and digital habits are often more relevant indicators.

If your child shows that they can use screens responsibly and follow simple rules, they’re generally ready to use a smartphone. The key is to support this transition with clear guidelines and regular communication.

How do I choose the right smartphone for my child?

Choosing a smartphone suitable for a child's use

Before choosing a smartphone, think about how your child will use it. For a first smartphone, basic features are often enough: calls, sending messages, and using a few useful apps.

Keeping it simple allows your child to gradually get used to their smartphone.

Introduce the smartphone gradually

It may be helpful to start with limited use and then add certain features over time. For example, you can begin by allowing calls and texts, and then introduce other apps once your child demonstrates that they can use their smartphone responsibly.

Involve the child in the decision

Choosing your child’s first smartphone can also be an opportunity to talk with them about how they’ll use it. Involving them in the decision-making process allows you to set rules from the start and help them take responsibility for using this device.

What rules should you set for a first smartphone?

Set clear rules from the start

Before taking the plunge, it’s important to talk to your child about how to use the device and the responsibilities that come with it.

Involve your child in setting the rules:

  • Screen time
  • Smartphone-free times
  • Permitted apps
  • Appropriate online behavior

When the rules are clear, conflicts are often avoided.

Tips on screen time

Supporting children as they begin to use it

Take the time to talk to your child regularly about what they do on their smartphone: the apps they use, their conversations with friends, or what they discover online. These conversations help you understand their habits and guide them if necessary.

By establishing a climate of trust and dialogue, your child will be more inclined to come to you if they encounter a problem. Make sure they have a trusted adult, a MAX, to whom they can always turn to talk about what they experience online.

As Inge Vanhaverbeke from Child Focus says: "Whatever happens online, you can always come and tell me. You will never be punished, even if you think you did something silly."

All support tips

How do I set up my first smartphone?

Advice from Inge Vanhaverbeke of Child Focus

  1. 1
    Set up the smartphone together

    Transparent rules help him feel more involved and accountable.

  2. 2
    Choose the apps

    Which apps are you installing right now, and which ones not yet?

  3. 3
    Check your privacy settings

    Work together to set up secure private profiles and explain what data is being shared.

  4. 4
    Try out the new games or apps

    Try them out together first to see what your child will see or be able to do.

  5. 5
    Play “the ignorant one”

    Ask questions about the apps and see what your child already knows. This will help you identify which rules need adjusting, while also acknowledging what they already know.

How can I keep my child safe online?

Online safety is a priority. A few simple steps can make all the difference:

  • Enable parental control
  • Check the apps that are installed
  • Explain the dangers of sharing personal information
  • Talk regularly with your child about what they see online

Open communication remains the best protection.

Discover parental control

Mobile Kids+: the mobile subscription designed for a child's first smartphone

The Mobile Kids+ mobile subscription is designed to support children and give parents peace of mind.

It allows you to:

  • Stay in control of smartphone usage
  • Avoid unpleasant surprises on your bill
  • Give your child a suitable first mobile experience

With Mobile Kids+, your child can easily make calls, send messages, and use the internet, while you stay in control.