Phones, computers & home
Setting up a child's first phone safely
A first phone is a big step, and most of the safety work happens in the first hour. Set it up with a child account, decide which apps and contacts are allowed, and agree a few house rules before the phone changes hands. Here's how, for both iPhone and Android.
The short version
The short version
- Set the phone up with a child account linked to your family, not your own login.
- Turn on app approvals so new downloads and purchases need your OK.
- Agree a few simple rules together, and review settings as your child grows.
- Most major social media platforms must now stop under-16s from having accounts in Australia.
Start with a child account
The single most useful step is giving your child their own account that's linked to yours, rather than signing the phone in with your login or creating an adult account with a made-up birthday.
| Phone | What to set up | Where it's managed |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad | A Child Account inside Family Sharing | Your own iPhone: Settings, then Screen Time or Family |
| Android | A Google Account for your child, supervised with Family Link | The Google Family Link app on your phone |
A child account means the phone's built-in protections switch on automatically. On an iPhone, Apple turns on Ask to Buy and Ask to Browse by default for children under 13, and limits adult websites for children under 18. Google Family Link gives you similar controls for app approvals, screen time and location on Android.
Use your child's real age
A real birth date is what makes the default protections apply. A fake adult age switches them off.
Decide what's allowed before you hand it over
Work through these settings with the phone in front of you:
1. App approvals. Turn on approvals so every new app or in-app purchase sends you a request (Ask to Buy on iPhone, approvals in Family Link). 2. Contacts. Start with family and a few trusted friends. iPhone Screen Time can limit who your child can call and message. 3. Web content. Keep adult content limits on. Add sites to an allowed list if school needs them. 4. Downtime. Set a time each night when only calls and chosen apps work, and keep the phone out of the bedroom overnight if that suits your family. 5. Location sharing. Decide whether you'll share locations both ways, and explain why. 6. Screen lock. Set a passcode your child can remember but others can't guess, and add their face or fingerprint if they want.
What the social media age rules mean
Since 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms must take reasonable steps to stop Australians under 16 from creating or keeping an account. eSafety lists the platforms covered, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.
eSafety describes this as a delay rather than a ban. There are no penalties for children or their parents, but platforms can be penalised if they don't take reasonable steps. Messaging, gaming and education services may not be covered, so check eSafety's current list rather than assuming an app is or isn't included.
Talk about scams and strangers early
Settings help, but a conversation helps more. A few points that suit most ages:
- If a message or game chat asks for photos, money, gift cards or a secret, stop and tell a parent. They won't be in trouble for telling you.
- Real friends don't need passwords or codes. Neither do real companies.
- Free game currency, prizes and "you've won" messages are a common trick.
- If something online feels wrong, take a screenshot and come and show you.
Keep it two-way
Children are more likely to report a problem if the first reaction is calm. Agree in advance that telling you never means losing the phone.
Review as they grow
Plan a quick review every school term or birthday. Loosen limits that no longer fit, and check that the recovery details on their account (your email or phone) are still current. When your child is older, show them how to manage their own privacy settings so the habits stick when the controls come off.
Common questions
What age should a child get their first phone?
There's no single right age. eSafety suggests thinking about your child's maturity, why they need a phone, and whether a simpler phone or a shared family device would do the job first.
Can I see my child's messages?
Parental controls focus on contacts, apps and time limits rather than reading messages. Many families find agreed rules and regular check-ins work better than monitoring everything.
Is a second-hand phone OK for a child?
Yes, as long as it still gets security updates and has been fully erased and set up fresh with your child's account. Our guide to selling or recycling old devices explains a proper reset.
What if my child already has a social media account?
Under the age rules the responsibility sits with the platforms. You may see the platform ask your child to confirm their age or deactivate an under-16 account. eSafety has guidance on talking this through.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. If you think you’ve lost money or personal information, contact your bank and the services named above straight away.
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