Should I Let My 5 Year Old Have a Phone?

The question every modern parent is quietly panicking over

Let me guess — your kid asked for a phone and now you're spiraling. One part of you thinks, “They’re too young, no way.” Another part goes, “But their cousin has one… and maybe it’s good for emergencies?”

Yep. Been there.

I had this same conversation with my friend Lara last weekend. Her daughter, five years old, came home from preschool saying half her class had phones. (They don’t, by the way. Maybe two kids. But still.) And now Lara's wondering if she’s the one behind.

So... should you give in?

Pros: Why some parents say yes (and aren't completely crazy)

It can be a safety tool — if used right

Okay, so a phone isn’t just TikTok and tantrums. In theory, it can help your kid call you in an emergency, track their location, or even teach basic tech skills.

There are phones made just for kids — like Gabb or Pinwheel — that don’t have internet, social media, or even app stores. Just calls, texts, maybe a camera. Honestly, that changed how I thought about it.

My nephew Leo has one. He can text his mom “I’m on the bus” or call grandma. No YouTube rabbit holes. No creepy ads.

It makes them feel included

Let’s be real: kids are very aware of what others have. And sometimes, feeling left out hurts more than we expect. Giving them a phone (even a basic one) can reduce that social anxiety and boost their confidence.

Just… don’t be shocked when they ask for an upgrade two weeks later. Kids are sneaky.

The big concerns: Why five might still be too young

Attention span? What attention span?

Kids at that age are still learning how to focus. Add a phone into the mix and boom — shorter attention spans, more frustration, and less time doing things that actually develop their brains (like, I dunno, building a pillow fort?).

Dr. Jensen (my kid’s pediatrician) once said to me:

“The phone’s not the problem. It’s what it replaces.”

And that stuck with me. Because when a screen replaces imagination, conversation, boredom... we lose something big.

Online risks are real — and scary

Even with parental controls, nothing is 100% safe. Accidental exposure to violent content, in-app purchases, even getting targeted by strangers (yep, even on “kid-safe” apps)... it happens.

I once downloaded a cute puzzle game for my daughter. It had in-app ads that led to, no joke, horror movie trailers. I was furious.

You might think: “But I’ll monitor everything.” Sure, at first. But the moment you’re tired, distracted, or trust an app too much… that’s when it bites.

Middle ground? Maybe.

Try a smartwatch or a kid-only phone

Instead of a smartphone, try a kid-safe watch with GPS and call functions. No apps. No internet. Still gives you peace of mind.

Some models even let you set school-time modes, block contacts, and approve everything. I’m honestly considering one for my youngest — not because she needs it, but because I need to feel she’s reachable.

Limit screen time like it’s sacred

If you go ahead with a phone, set hard limits. And I mean hard. Like 20 minutes a day, no phone in the bedroom, and always in common areas.

And don't just set the rules. Sit with them. Talk about what they’re doing on the phone. Make it a conversation, not just a device.

So… should you give your 5-year-old a phone?

Honestly? It depends on the why, the how, and the what kind of phone.

If it's to keep them busy — no.
If it’s for emergencies, and it’s a super basic phone — maybe.
If it’s because you feel pressured by what other parents are doing — pause.

You don’t have to rush this.

I almost gave in once. Then I watched my daughter spend an entire afternoon turning a cardboard box into a “time machine,” and I realized: her imagination still needs room to grow — without a screen.

So, your call. But make it with intention. Not guilt. Not comparison. Just... love, and maybe a little common sense.

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