A new survey has found that children in Ireland are receiving their first mobile phones as young as nine years old.
Safety concerns appear to be driving many parents to make the decision earlier than they would prefer.
According to research commissioned by Eir and reported by The Irish Times, 42% of parents admitted to giving their child a phone at a younger age than they felt comfortable with.
Many cited the need for their child to stay connected or safe while traveling to school or attending activities as the main reason for this early adoption.
The survey, which gathered responses from 522 parents, also revealed a significant knowledge gap among guardians when it comes to online safety. More than a third of parents said they were unsure how to access the built-in parental controls on phones, leaving children potentially exposed to unmonitored internet usage and social media platforms.
Despite the trend of children receiving phones at an earlier age, most parents believe that 12 or 13 years old is the ideal time for a child to have their first mobile device. However, the pressure to balance safety and independence often forces parents to adjust their expectations.
As mobile phone use becomes increasingly common among younger children, the findings raise important questions about how parents can better educate themselves on digital safety tools and the appropriate use of technology in their children's lives.
