Kids' Device Guide

Should my child get a smartwatch or a phone first?

By Jason, father of two · Sources checked September 2026

Short answer

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests talking with your child about options like a flip phone or watch that allows communication without all the digital baggage.[1] The U.S. Surgeon General's 2026 warning advises delaying smartphones as long as possible and says parents can delay access to different devices by age.[2][3] Neither names an age for a first phone.[4][2]

What health authorities say

The AAP says research doesn't point to one perfect age when kids are ready for a smartphone.[4] It notes that smartwatches and starter smartphones don't allow access to certain apps or features, though they may cost more.[4] The Surgeon General's 2026 warning advises families to delay giving children access to tablets, smartphones, and social media as long as possible.[2]

How many families use a watch

In a 2025 Pew Research Center survey of parents of children 12 and under, 11% said their child uses a smartwatch.[5] Among parents whose child has their own smartphone, a common reason they give is to stay in contact.[5]

Where advocacy groups land

Wait Until 8th, an advocacy group, asks parents to delay a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade, and says a basic phone or smartwatch for calls and texts fits within its pledge.[6]

Sources

  1. [1] American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), Your Child's First Phone: Are They Ready? (Health authority; checked September 2026)
  2. [2] U.S. Surgeon General (HHS), Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use (2026 advisory, PDF) (Government; checked September 2026)
  3. [3] U.S. Surgeon General (HHS), The Harms of Screen Use (Government; checked September 2026)
  4. [4] American Academy of Pediatrics, Appropriate Age to Introduce a Mobile Device (expert Q&A) (Health authority; checked September 2026)
  5. [5] Pew Research Center, How parents describe their kids' tech use (2025) (Research; checked September 2026)
  6. [6] Wait Until 8th, The Wait Until 8th pledge (Advocacy group; checked September 2026)

We quote what each source says and don't add to it. How we verify

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