---
title: When Should You Get Your Child a Smartphone?
description: What is the appropriate age for a child to get their first smartphone? Check out these pros and cons for children with smartphones.
---

[Child Care Blog | Horizon Education Centers ](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog)

# [When Should You Get Your Child a Smartphone?](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/356001/When-Should-You-Get-Your-Child-a-Smartphone)

 Written by [David Smith](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/author/david-smith) | Fri, Oct 17, 2014 @ 01:00 PM

Today's world of [technology-driven gadgets](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/352573/The-Trouble-with-Technology-and-Toddlers) begs the question, what is the appropriate age for a child to get their first smartphone?

The answer to the question runs the gamut from "when they can afford to buy it themselves" to "when they're mature enough to use a smartphone responsibly."

### Pros for Children with Smartphones

• For older children, it provides them with the opportunity to show their parents they know how to take care of an advanced gadget.

• Some parents note that it gives them "peace of mind" knowing their child has a phone. Of course, a prepaid cell phone would serve the same purpose.

• GPS tracking is a positive point but the opposing view is where a toddler is going to be with a Smartphone other than with their parents. For older kids in their teens and driving, a Smartphone makes sense.

### Cons for Children with Smartphones

• Smartphones should not replace family time.

• Young children need to learn how to socialize, interact, and communicate face-to-face with others to support growth.

• They can be too distracting.

• Young children don't need the advanced technology of a Smartphone. When they're older with computer knowledge, a Smartphone is more appropriate.

Our team at Horizon Education Centers is focused on helping and supporting your child from toddlers to preteens. Our highly trained staff keep our [programs](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/our-programs/) fun, entertaining, and educational so your child gets the most from time spent at one of our convenient [locations](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/locations).

**From [summer camp](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/videos) to [after school care](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/our-programs/), let us make each day one of excitement and socialization for your child. Contact us at [the center nearest you](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/locations/) and let us help you choose the perfect program.**

**   
**

[View full post](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/356001/When-Should-You-Get-Your-Child-a-Smartphone)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "David Smith"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2015-03-17T23:32:46.004Z",
  "datePublished" : "2014-10-17T13:00:00Z",
  "headline" : "When Should You Get Your Child a Smartphone?",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 300,
    "url" : "//cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/146692/file-1747979356-jpg/images/smartphone_child.jpg",
    "width" : 300
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/356001/When-Should-You-Get-Your-Child-a-Smartphone",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Parents' Corner"
  }
}
```