The first phone needs an agreement

The first phone is more than a purchase. It changes how a child reaches friends, handles interruptions, and asks for help. Set it up together before it becomes an argument about what was never discussed.

Talk through a few real situations. Where does the phone charge at night? What happens during homework? Who approves purchases and new apps? What should the child do if a stranger asks for a picture or a friend sends something upsetting? Make the answers short enough to remember.

Agree that asking for help is welcome, including after a mistake. Explain which settings you will manage and what you will review together. Check account recovery, contact information, and age-appropriate controls before handing over the device.

Put a check-in on the calendar for a few weeks later. Ask what is working and what feels difficult. Readiness is about the child and the circumstances, not a single birthday. The agreement should make room for learning while keeping the adults responsible for the boundaries.