We live in times when it is harder to manage without a phone than without a hand. At some point, every parent faces the dilemma of whether the time has come for their child to get their first mobile phone. A child owning a smartphone brings both many advantages and concerns, and all aspects should be considered before making a decision.

What are the benefits of a child having a mobile phone?

The most important benefit for parents is the invaluable peace of mind from being able to contact the child at any moment. Once the child is old enough to go to school alone, visit friends, or play outside, it is natural for parents to worry about where the child is and whether they are safe. A mobile phone allows immediate contact with the child.

A phone can also save lives – in a dangerous situation, the child can call an emergency number, seek help, and thus save their own or someone else’s life.

Giving a child a phone can also be an opportunity to teach respect for their belongings. The child can learn how to take care of expensive equipment and understand that it is not a cheap toy and must be handled responsibly.

What are parents’ concerns about giving a child a phone?

Beyond basic functions, a phone means internet access. Parents fear that their child may fall victim to cyberbullying or encounter inappropriate content. An unaware child can easily be manipulated or take an anonymous insult very personally. To avoid such situations, it is important to talk to the child and educate them about the risks of internet use (posting photos, publishing content).

The impact of a phone on a child’s health is another factor that raises concerns. Constant exposure to many stimuli can cause vision or concentration problems in children who overuse smartphones. Loud music through headphones may also damage hearing.

There are strong arguments both for and against giving a child a phone. However, we should not forget about solutions that minimize or eliminate possible negative effects. For online safety, parents can invest in parental controls, ensuring the child does not access inappropriate content. Not all parents know this, but child accident insurance (NNW) includes a “Child online” clause in every option. The coverage includes parental controls in browsers, blocking selected sites, antivirus scanning, remote help in recovering an email account or social media account.

There is no ideal, textbook-defined age for a child to get their first phone. It is an individual matter, depending on the child’s responsibility, approach, and the parents’ financial situation.