Age is only one factor to consider, but what should really be considered is "Is my kid ready to use a smartphone?"
When he/she’s responsible enough
Not just with basic rules and house chores. It’s not a toy. You need to explain that your kids can’t share everything online or it will ruin privacy. Having a smartphone means they get more time to become connected to social media compared to when they were still using your home computer or laptop. I wouldn’t be surprised if in the future, burglars are able to steal from homes because your kids tweeted “home alone.” Also teach them the amount of screen time they’re allowed to have.
When he/she lives in the real world
He needs to understand that not everything functions through digital means, and you cannot live life with just a few swipes of fingers. He might eventually suffer learning how to communicate well in face-to-face situations. Smartphones remove our ability to be alone. Your kids will tend to become attached to social media wherever he is inside or outside the house and will unconsciously think of it as another dimension.
Why give him an iPhone anyway? We are not dictating parents not to buy your kid his own smartphone. In fact, giving your kid a smartphone has its benefits. However, some kids will want their own smartphone not because they need it but because it gives them a feeling of self-belongingness as most of their friends possess a smartphone too. They want to “keep in touch” and “follow trends.” They’re in it for the social benefits.
For Educational Purposes
A lot of educational smartphone apps are being released everyday and they can do their research through their phones as well. Just remember that this should only support your child and it should still be us who should be teaching kids.
Emergencies
If your kid is in a sports team or if she gets in a situation where she’ll need you immediately, having a phone is the fastest way she can contact you.
If your kid asks you to buy him a smartphone, don’t shut him off immediately (this might cause tantrums). Instead, ask him why he wants a smartphone? This way you can measure if your child is responsible enough to own a smartphone.
If social benefits is what they’re looking for, tell them to stick with the home computers and laptops for a while and then give them a smartphone as soon as you think they are ready to handle one. Or if you’re buying them a smartphone, make some rules on when they’re allowed to use it and their limits. Lastly, be a good example about responsibility and screen time.
