When should kids get smartphones? Henrico 12-year-old offers his own guide

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — For many families, deciding when a child is ready for a smartphone can be a difficult and ongoing conversation. A 12-year-old Glen Allen student is offering his own perspective to help guide that decision.

Aiden Ali, a sixth grader at Short Pump Middle School in Henrico County, recently published a book titled "Before You Get a Phone." The guide aims to help parents and children find common ground when it comes to smartphone use.

Aiden Ali holds his newly published book, "Before You Get a Phone." (Photo: 8News)

Ali said the idea for the book came from his own experience. Like many kids his age, he wanted a phone and brought the question to his parents but their conversation revealed something bigger.

“It hit me that, oh, wow, other kids, other families must be going through the same problem,” he said. “So I thought, and then I did some research, and I realized that there was no guide for helping families with that.”

Rather than trying to persuade parents to say yes or no, Ali said his goal is to encourage open communication and mutual understanding about technology and responsibility.

“Better, smarter conversations with each other,” he said. “And both sides [can] understand each other as well.”

Ali said he does not yet have a phone himself.

“I use my devices a lot. I game, and sometimes I’m just watching TV a lot too,” he said. “So they thought I wasn’t ready yet … and I get that.”

A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that the earlier a child receives a smartphone, the higher their risk of developing conditions such as obesity, depression and lack of sleep.

Ali’s book addresses some of those concerns, including the potentially addictive nature of social media platforms. The guide also offers safety tips and suggests alternatives, such as smartwatches, that allow children to stay connected without full access to apps.

Ali said he expects he will likely get his own smartphone in high school. In the meantime, he has accepted his parents’ decision and hopes other kids can do the same.

“It’s not the end of the world if you don’t have a phone,” he said. “You’ll get it eventually when it’s the right time.”

Those looking to purchase Ali's guide can do so here.