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Before you start
- Talk with the child and other carers involved.
- Check school rules and current requirements for any proposed accounts.
A clear way through this guide.
We’ll show you one step at a time. When you’re ready, press Done — next step. You can go back or take a break whenever you like.
5 steps · Your own pace
Decide if a child is ready for a phone
Step 1 of 5: Describe the real need
Write down whether the phone is for travel contact, learning or another purpose. Consider a basic calling phone or shared device if it meets that need with fewer features.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 2 of 5: Discuss readiness
Ask whether the child can follow agreed boundaries, care for equipment and tell an adult when something feels wrong. Use everyday examples rather than treating peer ownership as the only reason.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 3 of 5: Agree how help works
Explain that upsetting content or unwanted contact should be reported to a trusted adult. Practise saying no, blocking and reporting. Make clear that seeking help will be taken seriously.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 4 of 5: Plan access and privacy
Choose needed apps and review who can contact the child, view posts or see location. Set suitable parental controls and explain them openly. Avoid public personal details and unnecessary location sharing.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 5 of 5: Start gradually and review
Begin with a small agreed set of functions. Write down charging, storage and use routines, then schedule regular check-ins. Change access when the child’s needs or account requirements change.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Take your time. Next marks this step done.
You’ve finished this guide.
Every step is complete. You can come back and practise again whenever you like.
Your small practice task.
Write a one-page agreement for contacts, apps, privacy and asking for help.
Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.
A common question.
What if we decide to wait?
Explain the reasons and agree how the child can still contact you or use shared technology. Review the decision later instead of making it a competition with peers.
Official help, if you need it.
These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.