Child Safe & Wellbeing
Safety, Respect and Learning
When Should My Child Get a Smartphone?
As a new school year begins, many parents ask: “When is the right time for my child to have a smartphone?”
Parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson says there is no perfect age. The most important question is:
👉 Is my child ready?
Smartphones Are Powerful Tools
A smartphone is not just for calling.
It gives children access to:
- Games
- Videos
- Messages
- Social media
- The internet
These things can be fun and useful. But they can also be confusing or unsafe for young children.
Waiting Can Be a Good Choice
Dr Coulson explains that many children under 12–13 years old are not ready for their own smartphone.
Some families choose to start with:
- A basic phone (calls and messages only)
- Or no phone at all
Waiting helps protect children’s:
- Safety
- Sleep
- Learning
- Mental health
Waiting is not punishment.Waiting is protection.
How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready?
Your child may be ready if they can:
- Follow family rules
- Stop using a device when asked
- Tell an adult if something feels wrong
- Be kind and respectful to others
If your child is still learning these skills, it is okay to wait.
Teach Before You Give
Children do not need a smartphone to learn about technology.
You can:
- Talk about being safe online
- Use devices together
- Keep screens in shared family spaces
- Explain not to share personal information
Small steps make a big difference.
Make Family Rules Together
Talk with your child about rules, for example:
- No phones at the dinner table
- No phones in bedrooms at night
- Limited screen time
When children understand the rules, they are more likely to follow them.
Children Need More Than Screens
Children need time to:
- Play
- Read
- Move their bodies
- Talk with family and friends
Smartphones should not replace real-life experiences.
We Are Here to Help
If you have questions about phones, apps, or online safety, please speak with your child’s teacher, the school E-Learn Team or the Wellbeing Team.
Together we can help children grow up safe, healthy, and happy.
Have a great weekend with your families,
Kindest regards,
Jen Gulavin
Deputy Principal (Inclusive Education)