Why you should consider a family phone and how to set up family groups

• A "family phone" is a shared device for kids to use only when leaving the house.
• iPhone's Family Sharing and Google's family group allow parents to manage a child's device usage.

What’s the best age to get your kid a cell phone? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. A May 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 68% of parents think kids should be at least 12 years old before they have their own smartphone. Ultimately, it’s up to parents or guardians to decide whether their child has a need and is ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a smartphone.

If you’re beginning to wonder whether your child needs a phone but aren’t ready to give them a device of their own, consider getting a family phone.Watch this video to learn more about a family phone.

Smartphone for kids

A family phone can be an older smartphone or a newer, basic one. All that matters is that it can make calls or send texts. The catch: It can only be used outside the house. So, if your child is going to a friend’s house or heading out with friends to watch their school’s team play, they grab the phone on their way out the door and put it back when they return.

Keep the phone somewhere accessible so it can be quickly and easily returned to its designated spot. Don’t forget to keep a charger nearby so it can be plugged in and charged before its next use.

There are some basic flip phones available, but if you’re using an old smartphone, consider creating a generic email account to connect to the Apple or Google account. This way, if your kids know the password to your regular account, this one can be kept separate and prevent them from making unapproved changes.

iPhone Family Sharing

If your family phone is an iPhone, add the device to your Family Sharing group. You can connect up to six people (yourself included) to share subscriptions and locations and manage a child’s device.

When you have a child’s device in your family group, you can see the apps and websites used most on the device, set Screen Time limits and approve app downloads and new contacts. To set up a Family Sharing group on your iPhone or iPad:

1.  Open Settings and tap your name to see your Apple Account settings. 
2. Tap Family and follow the prompts. 

If you already have a group set up and want to add another account, navigate to your family group and tap the Add Member button – the one that looks like a silhouette with a plus sign – and follow the instructions. For detailed information on setting approvals and other parental controls, click here.

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Google family group

For Android devices, Google family group lets you connect up to six people (yourself included) to manage subscriptions, calendars and digital ground rules for kids.  To create a family group: 

1. Go to www.myaccount.google.com and click Family Group in the sidebar. 
2. Click Get started, then click Create a Family Group and follow the prompts. 

As a parent in a Google family group, you can: 

• Create, upgrade or delete child accounts. 
• Manage a child’s Google activity, screen time and location. 
• Approve purchases.