First phone for a child: Expert names rules parents must follow

The decision to give a child their first smartphone is a significant step towards greater independence, but experts emphasize that it should be guided by the child's specific needs, age, and maturity level. Psychologist Jurgita Smiltė Jasiulionė from "Vaikų linija" (Children's Line) notes that the primary need for a phone often arises when children begin to navigate independently, such as walking to school or meeting friends.

While a phone can ensure safety and provide peace of mind for parents, a smartphone offers much more than basic communication. It provides access to social media, various applications, and online content. Therefore, its acquisition requires careful consideration. Jasiulionė stresses that parents should evaluate not only the child's age but also their readiness to adhere to agreements, seek help when facing difficulties, manage screen time, and understand the risks associated with the internet.

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If a phone is needed simply to contact the child, the need usually arises when they start moving independently: going to school alone, to clubs, or meeting friends. In such cases, a communication device helps ensure safety and provides more peace of mind for parents. However, a smartphone is much more than calls or messages. It opens access to social networks, various applications, internet content, and communication platforms, so its acquisition should be well thought out.

Julija Markeliūnė, digital inclusion lead at "Telia," points out that many parents focus too much on the technical specifications of a device and not enough on how it will be used. Children need clear guidelines on daily usage limits, acceptable applications, appropriate social media conduct, and how to respond to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or contact with strangers online. Agreements should also include stipulations that new apps or paid content require parental permission.

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The child should clearly know how much time per day they can use the phone, which applications they can download, how to behave on social networks, and what to do when encountering bullying, inappropriate content, or strangers online. It is also important to agree that new applications or paid content can only be installed with parental permission.

Markeliūnė advises that for a first phone, the focus should be on security and functionality rather than prestige or advanced features. Reliable devices that support security updates and allow for setting screen time limits, content filters, and app download controls are recommended. Implementing parental control solutions like "Family Link," "Microsoft Family Safety," or "Telia Safe" is also important for blocking dangerous websites, protecting against malware, and enforcing usage restrictions.

Experts agree that clear, consistently enforced rules are essential for avoiding conflicts and helping children develop responsible digital habits. The emphasis should be on safety and responsible use, ensuring that the first smartphone experience is a positive and secure one.

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When choosing the first phone, the most important thing is not its prestige or technical capabilities, but safety and functionality.