How to soundly give your baby a primary cellphone as dad and mom say it’s ‘hectic’

Top tips to help your child use a smart phone safely as more than half of Brits say they would approach the milestone differently if they could do it again

Many British parents regret giving their children unrestricted access to a mobile phone as concerns about online safety grow, new research has found.

More than half (52%) say they would approach the milestone differently if they could do it again – including imposing greater restrictions on social media and apps.

Meanwhile 46% admit feeling worried about giving their child their first mobile with 24% ranking it as the most stressful decision among major milestones, far ahead of getting a first car (12%), according to the survey by Lebara Mobile.

The findings come as social media giants face renewed scrutiny in US courts over the safety of children online. Excessive screen time, harmful content and access to strangers are among parents’ biggest concerns, according to the research.

But as children prepare to start secondary school for the first time, many parents feel a mobile phone is necessary for their 11-year-olds. Anna, 44, from Surrey, gave her daughter her first phone when she turned 11, primarily as she started travelling more independently.

She said: “The reason we decided for her to have a phone was primarily for her safety, to allow her to contact us and be contactable when needed. Also to allow us to track her, as we knew she’d be walking and using the bus without us.”

Anna chose to keep Facebook and Instagram off-limits and limit YouTube use but says there is no universal right age for a first phone.

Her second child turns 11 in December, but she plans to wait: “It’s completely down to whether you think your child is ready. He is not ready for a phone, so we will be holding off.”

To help families navigate the milestone, Lebara Mobile has teamed up with Sim Shamu, Child Behaviour Specialist at pbsaba.co.uk, to provide practical advice.

Sim says parents should treat a first phone as the beginning of a learning process rather than a one-off handover, gradually increasing children’s independence as they demonstrate they are ready.

Mayur Jauhari, Commercial Director at Lebara Mobile UK added: “Starting secondary school is a huge step towards independence and, for many families, it’s when a first phone becomes a practical necessity.

“Parents want the reassurance of knowing their child can call home and stay connected, but our research shows the decision comes with plenty of uncertainty too.”

• For more advice on navigating a child’s first phone and setting healthy digital habits, visit here.

Five tips for healthy first-phone habits

1. Start smaller than you think. A first phone doesn’t need to mean unlimited data, apps and independence. Start with the functions your child actually needs and gradually increase access as they demonstrate responsibility.

2. Set the rules before handing it over. Agree when the phone can be used, where it charges overnight, whether it is allowed at mealtimes and bedtime, and which apps and content can be accessed.

3. Talk about content, not just screen time. Stay interested in what your child is watching and doing online, rather than focusing solely on how long they spend on their phone.

4. Keep phones out of the bedroom overnight. Charging phones outside the bedroom can reduce distractions, protect sleep and help children switch off at the end of the day.

5. Give them reasons to put the phone down. Sport, hobbies, time outside, games and family activities give children other sources of fun and connection, so screen-time restrictions do not become the sole focus