Phone readiness: questions before a child's first device
The decision is not only about age. Parents should check habits, social pressure, sleep, and repair plans before giving more access.
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Readiness is a system, not a birthday
A first phone changes access, privacy, social speed, and conflict. Parents should look beyond age and ask whether the child can handle charging rules, bedtime rules, group chat friction, screenshots, purchases, and mistakes.
The questions to answer first
- Where does the device sleep?
- Which apps are allowed at launch?
- What happens after a rule break?
- Can the child ask for help after an embarrassing message or image?
- How will parents review settings without turning every check into a fight?
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