For many parents, the question isn’t if their child will ask for a smartphone — it’s when. Whether it’s for staying in touch after school, keeping up with friends, or not being the only kid without one, smartphones have become a modern childhood milestone. But with that milestone comes understandable worry. Is it too soon? Is it safe? And how much control do parents really have once that shiny device lands in little hands?
Internationally recognised researcher Dr Joanne Orlando PhD, who specialises in family digital safety and wellbeing, rejects a simple yes-or-no answer. Her research shows that families determine a child’s online safety through how they introduce and support technology, not through the device itself. In her recently published book, Generation Connected, Dr Orlando bridges the gap between academic research and everyday family life, offering practical strategies for navigating the digital world without fear or overwhelm.
One of the key themes in Dr Orlando’s work is that safety doesn’t come from restriction alone. Clear boundaries, guidance, ongoing conversations, and age-appropriate independence help children benefit the most. This is where well-designed parental tools can support families, rather than creating constant conflict.
Apple’s Child Accounts are built with this developmental approach in mind. Required for children under 13 and available for young people up to 18, they form the foundation of Apple’s family safety features. From the moment parents create a Child Account, Apple automatically enables protections such as web content filters and app restrictions for younger children. For teens aged 13 to 17, Apple also switches on age-appropriate safeguards by default, including web filters, Communication Safety and access only to apps that meet set age ratings.
Screen Time plays an important role in helping families build healthy digital habits. Instead of relying on constant reminders or negotiations, parents can set limits around daily usage, downtime and specific apps. Devices running newer operating systems now alert parents whenever a child enters a Screen Time passcode, allowing parents to quickly identify when boundaries need reinforcing or revisiting.
Communication is often one of the biggest sources of anxiety for parents, particularly as children grow older and their social worlds expand. Communication Limits allow parents to manage who their children can contact across Phone, FaceTime and Messages. Newer features also require children to request approval before communicating with new phone numbers, encouraging transparency and regular check-ins between parents and kids.
Communication Safety adds another layer of support by helping protect children from viewing or sharing sensitive images and videos. When nudity is detected, children receive a warning and are encouraged to seek help, without automatically notifying parents. This approach reflects a growing understanding in digital wellbeing research that trust and emotional safety are just as important as technical controls. Communication Safety is now turned on by default for users aged 17 and under across supported Apple devices.
For families who feel a smartphone might still be a step too far, Apple Watch For Your Kids offers a gentler introduction to connected technology. Children can call and message approved contacts, share their location via Find My, and access safety features like Emergency SOS — all without the distractions of social media or unrestricted internet access. Schooltime settings, Downtime and contact restrictions help keep focus where it belongs during the day.
Beyond safety, Dr Orlando’s research also highlights the importance of the quality of digital experiences. Not all screen time is equal, and creative or shared content can support learning, connection and wellbeing. Apple offers family-friendly content across the App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV, helping parents actively choose experiences that align with their values, from drawing and creativity apps to games and shows they can enjoy together.
Family Sharing ties these experiences together, allowing up to six family members to share apps, subscriptions and entertainment while keeping personal content private. Parents remain in control of purchases and downloads, while children still feel included and trusted.
Ultimately, the research is clear: there is no universal “right age” for a child to use a smartphone. What matters most is that families take a thoughtful, staged approach — one that combines clear limits, supportive tools and ongoing conversations. With the right setup, technology doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can become another way families stay connected, supported and safe.