How Common Are Phones Among 12 Year Olds
Surveys show that a large majority of 12 year olds in many countries own or regularly use a smartphone. In the United States, roughly 80 to 90 percent of children have access to a mobile device by age 12, according to large national studies on youth and media.
Why Parents Give Phones to 12 Year Olds
Parents often provide phones for safety, coordination with school and activities, and access to learning tools. Many families choose a basic phone or a supervised smartphone plan to balance connectivity with limits on screen time and app use.
What Experts Recommend for 12 Year Olds
Health organizations suggest clear rules about when, where, and how long a 12 year old uses a phone, especially before bed. Many experts recommend parental controls, shared charging stations outside the bedroom, and regular conversations about online safety.
For more data on children and mobile devices, see the Common Sense Media research page.
