Don’t Wing It For Your Kid’s First Phone, This Simple Pact Can Help

For decades, parents have coached their kids through the same adolescent independence milestones: starting middle and high school, getting a driver’s license, landing their first part-time job. Those moments might be challenging, even if they’re basically in the parenting manual by now. But your kid’s first phone? That's a whole other story...

In 2025, parents are drowning in choices around this increasingly fraught topic. And without a clear set of rules, a host of practical (and existential) questions arise. What's the right age for kids to get a phone? How should their phone behavior be monitored? Is there a "right" way to do this?

Enter: The First Phone Pact, courtesy of Straight Talk Wireless, a leading prepaid brand covered by Verizon’s 5G network. This free resource enables parents and kids to discuss guidelines for their first phone. Just set aside some time with your child to answer the questionnaire, which addresses variables like screen time, phone zones, online etiquette, emergency contact protocols, and more. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have a bespoke term sheet granting both teams what they want: independence for kids, peace of mind for parents.

Just ask child psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, a specialist in how digital tech impacts kids’ well-being, and a collaborator on The First Phone Pact. "[The Pact] is the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for healthy digital habits in the future,” says Dr. Nesi. “Having open, honest conversations and setting clear boundaries upfront goes a long way.”

Looking to lay your own digital tech ground rules with your child? Scroll on for a checklist you can use with your family to jump-start these important conversations. Once you've gone through it, access The First Phone Pact in its entirety and develop your own version here.

1. Set Your Intentions... And Be Honest

To kick things off, have a good, long think about what you want to accomplish with this pact. Do you want to track your child’s whereabouts? Are you finally worn down by the daily "But Mom, everyone has a phone!" battles? Whatever it is, putting your intentions to paper will help you make choices that suit your family’s needs.

2. Consider Realistic Screen Time Limits

Even without a phone, do you feel like your child is overdoing it on screen time? If so, think practically about some new screen guardrails that make sense for your lifestyle. Some good places to start might be "no phones after 9 p.m." or "homework first, then phone time." Pick the battles you can win, and then it will feel like a fair compromise.

3. Choose Phone-Free Zones And Moments

You may decide to have certain spaces — like your child’s bedroom, the dining room, or the car — remain phone-free. Similarly, there might be specific instances or times of day when you don’t want phones present. That could be during dinner, school, before bed, or whenever you think is most important. After all, it’s difficult to connect with your child when they have a screen in their face. List out which spaces you want to keep sacred and why. And pro tip: if you feel like too many phone-free zones will be an uphill battle, try one space or moment at a time.

4. Lead By Example

Sorry to break this to you, but a “do as I say, not as I do” strategy isn’t very healthy. Practicing what you preach will give you more leverage to set boundaries. Plus, limiting your phone usage will allow you to connect and be more present. Whether it’s no phones at dinner, an embargo on work emails during conversations, or no social media while you’re with your kids, pick rules you can also follow that will keep you honest.

5. Set Consequences That Actually Mean Something

This agreement is a guideline, not a guarantee. So, how will you hold the signers accountable when someone breaks it? Discuss some firm but fair consequences for slipping up. Maybe it's extra chores, or losing phone privileges during their favorite show. Agree to the terms up front to avoid blow-ups later. And remember: you’re on the hook for mistakes, too.

These conversations are just the beginning. And nobody’s perfect! At the end of the day, we're all just trying to raise decent humans who can put their phones down long enough to have a real conversation. And honestly? That feels like a pretty good place to start.

To delve further, head to The First Phone Pact and develop your family’s unique agreement.