Your Child's First Smartphone: A Checklist for Parents

Is my child ready?

The German media guideline recommends a child's own smartphone at age 9 at the earliest, preferably not before age 12 – in each case with restricted internet access. To be reachable on the way to school, a simple phone without internet may also be enough. These questions help you assess readiness:

• My child usually sticks to agreements, even when I'm not around.
• They can explain why you don't give personal information to strangers online.
• They come to me when something unpleasant happens.
• They can handle frustration when time is up.
• We have discussed what happens with the device if rules are broken.

Setting up the device safely

1. Their own Apple Account

   Create a separate Apple Account for your child in Family Sharing. That way Screen Time, age ratings and Ask to Buy take effect.

2. Screen Time

   Downtime for the night, limits for games and social networks, Always Allowed apps for family and emergencies.

3. Restrictions

   Set age ratings for apps, movies and web content to suit your child's age.

4. Ask to Buy

   Downloads and purchases only after your approval.

5. Privacy

   Go through location sharing and microphone and camera access of individual apps together.

6. Emergency contacts

   Save important numbers and explain the emergency number 112 (in Germany; 112 works across the EU – otherwise use your local emergency number).

What to talk about beforehand

• When and where the smartphone is used, for example not during meals and not in bed
• Which apps are allowed and how to request new apps
• What personal data is and why it should be protected
• How to recognize scam messages and cost traps
• What to do about cyberbullying or unpleasant contacts
• That mistakes are allowed and your child can still come to you

Put your agreements in writing, for example in a family media agreement.

How Kydly helps you get started

Kydly brings rules, app requests, places and help messages together in one family overview. Your child gets their own view in which they see rules, request more time and learn playfully with 15 topics on the internet, advertising, scams and privacy. The basic features are free for one parent and the first child.