What Age To Get A Phone Number For Kids?

For a 7th grader in the U.S., I think a phone is a must have. The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. At the top of the list, would be my peace of mind as a parent. With all that is happening in the world and in U.S. schools, and after my friend's child in another state was in a classroom with an active shooter, even more so.

Other reasons would be that I don't want my child to feel left out in any way in middle school and with friends outside of school or at extracurricular activities. The number of ways in which the children use their phones is so high that it is an essential part of their lives.

Then there are other benefits like a family whatsapp for reminders and related stuff. They can also join the extended family whatsapp groups. But then aunts/uncles might interrogate them 1-1 about family news and updates. : )

In middle school, I would suggest a not very fancy phone if the child agrees. And definitely install parental control software (paid version). This needs some research as they have some funny limitations. Like, in one, I couldn't view the websites visited in incognito mode. We found Qustodio to be the best when we last used such software on phone, laptops. It still seems to have the highest reviews.

If looking for a new phone and open to both Apple and android, good to keep in mind that the parental control software usually has lesser default access on iPhone. So, the software like Qustodio asks for more invasive permissions on iPhone.

Another use is Google Maps location sharing.

All that being said, my children had friends who got phones only in high school, and they are seemed OK with it.