The Wirecutter Show

Is It Time To Get Your Kid a Phone?

What you need to know before giving your kid a phone, plus the Wirecutter-tested trackers, smartwatches, and phones to consider. Guests: Wirecutter senior staff writer Ellen Lee &amp;  Dr. Devorah Heitner Additional Reading:<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartphone-for-kids/?utm_source=wirecutter_podcast&amp;utm_medium=episode_number_04">The Best First Phones for Kids</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-for-kids/?utm_source=wirecutter_podcast&amp;utm_medium=episode_number_04">The Best Smartwatches for Kids</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-apps-to-manage-your-kids-phone/?utm_source=wirecutter_podcast&amp;utm_medium=episode_number_04">The Best Parental Control Apps to Manage Screen Time (and Keep Your Kid Safer Online)</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Screenwise-Helping-Thrive-Survive-Digital/dp/1629561452/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5Z2Q2I6W2GAC&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ls_1YbnyXtP0m_Y1wWir9VNaX3wDDLL1Acv3SNK0Hjb4i7_AQIsMep63il0yqLnil3AJt80IMA6JnRhGgd-Yg29O2fpDbkiSN-AA2kE5xANYbc7gecSMBL7swJfaujjr2cNfJv51TDOKgfE5z_i0zA.nI4sTXh1ols6tOaD3rCbgg2H-W4mtqqH8qkSuyWXSiE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=screenwise&amp;qid=1723749327&amp;s=audible&amp;sprefix=screenwise%2Caudible%2C91&amp;sr=1-1-catcorr">Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World  by Dr. Devorah Heitner</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Public-Coming-Digital-ebook/dp/B0BPWPSWCY?ref_=ast_author_mpb">Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner</a> Products we recommend:<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/44691/171915/4/137933?merchant=Amazon">Apple AirTag</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/deals/112532?merchant=Amazon" target="_blank">Tile Mate</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/55787/190499/4/193657/?merchant=Bark" target="_blank">Bark Phone</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/47646/201471/4/185031?merchant=Amazon">Pinwheel</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/49829/179261/4/185032?merchant=Apple">Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation, 128 GB)</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/55831/190561/4/180880?merchant=Verizon">Verizon Gizmo Watch 3</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/60504/199070/4/180891?merchant=Amazon">Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular</a> Check out more NYT podcast coverage about the recent push to ban phones in schools from <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/03/podcasts/the-daily/phone-ban-school.html" target="_blank">The Daily</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/30/podcasts/hardfork-telegram-hochul-reputation.html" target="_blank">Hard Fork</a>.    
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/about/">Learn more›</a> Follow us on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wirecutter/?hl=en" target="_blank">@wirecutter</a> Find edited transcripts for each episode here: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/">The Wirecutter Show Podcast</a>

The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.