A new study has revealed that the average child will get their first smartphone when they are ten, but most parents prefer non-smartphones. Approximately six in ten parents (59%) state that they usually text their children to come for dinner instead of speaking to them.
A typical child receives a smartphone at ten years
According to a poll of 2,000 parents with school-age kids, the typical youngster will get a smartphone at 10. While technology is constantly changing, some things never change. The average person reports that their child received their maiden piece of technology, such as a laptop or desktop computer, at 11.
According to study findings, around 70% of parents state that they trust their children with tech. However, two-thirds have parental control over their kids’ devices, and six in ten parents (62%) believe that technology benefits children’s social development. In addition, most parents give their kids smartphones for emergency use (55%), for gaining tech skills in future work (47%), and since they are old enough to have one.
The study carried out by OnePoll for Cricket Wireless found that 67% of parents think their children will access technology even if they restrict them. But interestingly, 50% of the respondents indicated that they considered buying a basic phone or non-smartphone for their child to limit “distraction apps” and maintain basic features like text and call without the internet. But, surprisingly, 54% of parents bought their kids a basic phone such as a flip phone to have the “90s” feeling.
Parents (70%) are open to buying a smartphone for their kids
Interestingly 70% of the respondents indicated that they were open to buying their children a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch if they could use the device effectively and safely.
Cricket Wireless VP and Chief Marketing Officer Tony Mokry said that having children on a family phone plan offering an affordable option can help the family be connected. The study found that 51% of the children have been on a family telephone plan for over three and half years.
