Tzeadim › 6–12 years

For the parent · Practice

Delay the first smartphone

Most children: 10y–13y

What it is

A basic phone or watch covers the reason you are buying it. The internet in a pocket can wait.

Start preparing

1. Separate the two needs: being reachable is a phone problem, and it is solved by a cheap phone or a watch.
2. Talk to the other parents in the class — a shared decision removes the 'everyone has one' argument.
3. When you do give one: no social media before 13 at the very least, no device in the bedroom overnight, and a family charging station.
4. Write down the agreement together and review it every few months rather than arguing case by case.

Why it matters

The AAP's 2026 guidance moves away from hour limits to protecting sleep, activity and family time. The first phone is the single decision that most affects all three.

Related

• Family media plan (2–18)
• Online safety talk (from 8)

Sources

• Digital ecosystems, children and adolescents (January 2026) — American Academy of Pediatrics · checked 30-08-2026

Last reviewed 30-08-2026 · Confidence: medium

Compiled with AI assistance from the public sources listed above. Not yet reviewed by a clinician — check anything important against the source, with Tipat Halav or with your doctor.