Apple Family Sharing
- Create a child account with the correct birth date
- Set up Family Sharing
- Enable purchase requests
- Set up Screen Time
- Check age and content restrictions
- Make informed decisions about location sharing
- Review recovery contacts
CHECKLIST · ABOUT 20 MIN.
Your First Smartphone
From setting up a child account to a 30-day trial — start safely, step by step.
Outcome: A personal setup and conversation checklist for starting with your first smartphone.
For Parents and FamiliesLast reviewed: 2026-07-14
Getting your first smartphone means more freedom, but also new responsibilities.
There isn't a perfect age that fits every child. What's important is whether the child understands the rules, can ask for help, and if the family is ready to support them in this new step.
This guide will walk you through the key steps: readiness, device, child account, safety, apps, purchases, privacy, and the first joint review after 30 days.
AI-generated contentWhat You'll Achieve in the End
After this guide, you will have:
- checked if the child and family are ready
- chosen a suitable account and device model
- reviewed important safety and privacy settings
- discussed rules for apps, purchases, and asking for help
- prepared a 30-day review
- established key points for the family smartphone agreement
1. Is your family ready?
It's not just about age. What's important is whether the child can take on basic responsibilities and if the adults have time for setup, support, and regular conversations.
If many answers still say 'Not yet,' a family device, a simpler device, or a more limited entry option might be better than a fully unrestricted smartphone. This isn't a diagnosis—just a guideline.
2. Before Buying or Handing Over
Ask yourselves first:
- Does the child need their own smartphone, or is a family device enough for now?
- Will the device mainly be used for staying in touch, school, gaming, or social media?
- What costs are involved for the device, plan, apps, and purchases?
- Who will handle repairs, loss, or replacements?
- What features does the child really need?
3. Setting Up a Kids' Account Correctly
Google Family Link
- Create a child account
- Connect Family Link
- Enable app approvals
- Set screen time and bedtime
- Check location settings
- Review purchase and payment approvals
- Check recovery options
Whenever possible, use a real child account instead of just a parent's personal adult account. This keeps age restrictions, purchases, and permissions clearly separated.
Official Apple and Google Guides
Menus and labels change frequently. For detailed steps, check Apple and Google — here are the key starting points.
Apple · Family Sharing & Parental Controls
- Family SharingConnects parent and child accounts for easy management.Open →
- Set Up a Device for a ChildHelps you set up an iPhone or iPad for a child in the family group.Open →
- Screen Time for a ChildManage timeouts, app limits, communication limits, and age-appropriate restrictions.Open →
- Parental Controls / Content & Privacy RestrictionsLimits inappropriate content, web access, purchases, apps, and privacy settings.Open →
- Manage Screen TimeCurrent Apple guide for managing screen time for children.Open →
Android & Google · Family Link
- Google Family Link OverviewA central overview of parental controls and family features.Open →
- Getting Started with Family LinkHow to start using Family Link and set up parental controls.Open →
- Parental Controls for Existing Google AccountsSet up supervision if your child already has a Google account.Open →
- Manage Your Child's SettingsControl account settings, location, search, Chrome, and other services.Open →
- Using an Android Device with a Child AccountSign in and use a managed child account on Android.Open →
- Manage App PermissionsControl access to the camera, microphone, location, contacts, and similar permissions.Open →
- Check Device CompatibilitySee if your device is compatible with Family Link and parental controls.Open →
Apple and Android interfaces may vary depending on the version and manufacturer. If you're unsure, always use the official help.
4. Secure Your Device and Account
Family Rule: Don't share device passwords or confirmation codes with friends or strangers.
5. Check App Permissions
Not every app needs constant access to your camera, microphone, contacts, photos, or location.
Camera
Only allow for apps that really need it.
Microphone
Share only when necessary.
Location
Choose 'Only while using the app' whenever possible.
Contacts
Only share if the feature is essential.
Photos
Share only selected photos if possible.
Notifications
Turn off unnecessary notifications.
Why does this app want access, and can it work without this permission?
6. Apps, Purchases, and Subscriptions
- New apps are reviewed together.
- Age ratings are a starting point, but not a guarantee of quality.
- In-app purchases require approval.
- Payment methods are kept secure.
- Confirmation codes should never be shared.
- Subscriptions are reviewed together.
- App trial periods and automatic renewals are explained.
What would you do if a game said you had to buy something right away to keep your progress?
Set Family Rules for Your Phone Plan →7. Privacy and Unknown Contacts
- never share your address publicly
- don't mention your school or daily hangout spots publicly
- use location sharing carefully
- set your profiles to private whenever possible
- ask for permission before posting pictures of others
- don't send private photos to people you don't know
Warning Signs
- someone asks for secrecy
- someone offers gifts or money
- someone asks for private pictures
- someone wants to switch to another platform
- someone suggests a meeting
- someone is being pushy or aggressive
Family Rule: Never meet online contacts alone. You can show uncomfortable messages at any time.
8. What happens if something goes wrong?
When you share something difficult with us, we will listen first.
We won't automatically take away your devices as a punishment.
We will help you gather evidence, protect your accounts, and find support.
- stay calm
- secure evidence
- block and report
- change your password if necessary
- use helplines or official reporting channels
- contact emergency services if in immediate danger
9. Review together after 30 days
Plan to review the rules right when you set things up. The rules can change as your child gets older or takes on more responsibility.
Your Starting Plan
Ready
Ready with Conditions
Planned Review Date
2026-10-17
Still open
—
Still to Discuss
Apps und Käufe, Privatsphäre, Was tun, wenn etwas schiefläuft
Recommended Contract Areas
First smartphone · Clear boundaries
Recommended Next Steps
- Set up a kids' account
- Create a family phone plan
- Schedule a review in 30 days
Set Rules Together Now
In your family phone plan, you can set clear rules for apps, purchases, screen time, sleep, gaming, privacy, and asking for help.
Additional Guides
Family Phone Agreement
A shared promise — not a punishment. Rules apply to everyone. Clarity, trust, and safe habits.
Check Smartphone Readiness
A shared decision-making tool before getting the first personal device.
Privacy Check-Up
A quick check for profiles, messages, location, and device access — no security guarantee.
Password and Account Security
Strong passphrases, secure recovery, two-factor protection — and a clear plan for emergencies.
Screen Time Without Power Struggles
Understand where conflicts arise — then set clear rules in the family phone agreement.
Conversation Guides
How to start, what to ask, what to avoid — and how to respond to anger, silence, or shame.
This guide provides general educational and organizational support. It does not replace medical, psychological, legal, or emergency advice.