Is Your Kid Ready for a Cell Phone? Take Aura’s Free Quiz

Is your kid ready
‍for a cell phone?

“When should my kid get their first cell phone?” is the age-old question (at least of this generation). It might feel like a tough decision now, but we’re here to help.

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First things first.
Who’s actually starting this conversation?

Cute illustration of hand giving peace sign

01/09

Me, of course!

My kid… all their friends have a phone.

Believe it or not, we’re a united front on this one.

No one, really. Just curious!

Expert advice

“Social media is about kids connecting. It is important for kids to connect. What I advise is asking, ‘are you able to maintain your connections with your peers without digital technology?’”

— Dr. Lisa Damour

“Social media is about kids connecting. It is important for kids to connect. What I advise is asking, ‘are you able to maintain your connections with your peers without digital technology?”

— Dr. Lisa Damour

How often does your kid lose or misplace their stuff?

02/09

Constantly… We are living in a nonstop scavenger hunt.

Sometimes… We’re not perfect!

Rarely. They’re pretty on top of things.

Never. They’re practically a walking filing cabinet.

How does your kid  handle talking about uncomfortable topics with you?

03/09

Super comfortable. We can talk about pretty much anything.

Pretty comfortable. We make it work!

Not so comfortable. It’s not our favorite thing in the world…

Not comfortable at all. It’s like pulling teeth.

Expert advice

“My advice to parents is to have conversations around media, technology, the internet, every day. That makes it easier for for kids to come to you when they do run in to something challenging.”

— Merve Lapus, Common Sense Media

“My advice to parents is to have conversations around media, technology, the internet, every day. That makes it easier for for kids to come to you when they do run in to something challenging.”

— Merve Lapus, Common Sense Media

What rules does your kid’s school have around cell phone usage?

Cute illustration of hand and pencil writing

04/09

The school has rules, but will my kid actually listen?

Kids aren't allowed phones during class.

They have rules, but they're not strictly enforced.

They have rules!?

Consider this

Two young girls at school looking at phone

Check the rules your kid’s school has around cell phone usage. These rules might affect how and when your child can use their phone, impacting your decision.

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Are you ready to lay down some ground rules (and stick to them)?

05/09

Wait… I need to make ground rules!?

I have some ideas of ground rules, but need to solidify them.

Absolutely. We've already talked about time limits and more.

It’s something I know I have to do but haven’t yet.

Expert advice

“When we handed over devices, we said, ‘this never goes in your bedroom.’ The kid who’s asking for a phone will agree to anything!”

— Dr. Lisa Damour

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How does your kid handle decision-making when you’re not around?

06/09

Pretty good. They make smart choices most of the time!

Fantastic! They have great judgment and talk to me if something feels off.

They need more help making choices, but we’re moving in the right direction.

Still developing… We’re working on how to make smarter decisions.

How well does your kid do with current house rules around screen time (TV, video games, etc.)?

07/09

We have our good days and our bad days…

Pretty good! What kid doesn’t ask for “five more minutes”?

Fantastic. Heck, sometimes they make their own rules!

We don't have many house rules for that stuff.

Expert advice

“What are they doing instead of being online? Sleep is number one, but also getting outside, getting exercise, having real-life interactions – are all of the things that happen outside of screen time happening?”
‍
— Dr. Aliza Pressman

“What are they doing instead of being online? Sleep is number one, but also getting outside, getting exercise, having real-life interactions – are all of the things that happen outside of screen time happening?”

— Dr. Aliza Pressman

Do you try to model good cell phone habits for your kid?

08/09

Uh oh…

My phone habits are always top of mind.

Yes, but… I know I can display better cell phone habits in front of my kid.

Sometimes… I try my best but often forget.  Thanks for the reminder!

Consider this

Have you thought about how your own phone habits might influence your kid’s behavior? Children often model their behavior on what they see at home.

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Does your kid already have their own phone?
‍(No judgement here!)

09/09

Not yet, but we’re getting close.

Yep, we’ve already taken the plunge.

Nope, and I don’t plan to for a while.

Nope, but their sibling does.

Looks like you’re on the right track!

Way to go! You seem to be really on top of this whole cell phone thing. It looks like your kid is emotionally and socially ready, and the two of you are ready to introduce the responsibilities of a phone. Read on to see how to handle it like a rock star!*

Animated GIF of 90s kid giving a thumbs up

So... Now what?

Keep it up! You’ve laid the groundwork for a smooth transition for introducing a cell phone into your kid’s life. Just remember to set clear rules and keep an open dialogue.

The results are in...

A cell phone is within reach!

According to your answers, it looks like there might be some room for improvement. Your kid seems to be somewhat ready, but you might want to take some time to think through their social, emotional, and practical readiness.*

Animated GIF of TV host grasping for something

So... Now what?

Start by addressing any gaps in rule-following or emotional support. With a little more preparation and guidance, you could be ready for a smooth introduction into the world of cell phone ownership. Maybe even let your kid create some of the rules—it’s a great way to get them invested!

The results are in...

We have some work to do…

It looks like there’s room for growth before introducing a cell phone into the picture. Sometimes, kids need more time to develop their emotional management skills and rule-following. It might also be a good idea to explore how you could improve your boundary-setting and readiness.*

Animated GIF of woman scrunching her face

So... Now what?

First, consider working on building stronger communication and decision-making skills with your kid. It could also be helpful to work together to create a structured plan for phone use. Remember—take it slow, and you’ll set yourself up for a smoother transition.

The results are in...

Not quite ready… yet!

First off, you should know that it’s okay to need more time! Our recommendation is to develop your kid’s emotional resilience and responsibility. Working on these areas could help set you up for success when it’s time to revisit this conversation.

Animated GIF of wrestler with hand out to signify stop!

So... Now what?

Based on your answers, it seems like both you and your kid need more time to prepare before diving into cell phone ownership. There are lots of opportunities to improve social and emotional readiness as well as practical considerations.*

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