When is the right time to give your child a cellphone — and how do you know they’re truly ready? It’s one of the most common and complicated questions parents face. In this episode, we’re joined by Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser, a Maine-based nonprofit providing mental and behavioral health support to children and families.

Joanne brings a wealth of experience to this conversation, offering practical advice to help parents weigh the pros and cons of introducing a phone into their child’s life. From assessing maturity and responsibility, to dealing with peer pressure and social media exposure, we break down the key factors parents should consider — including safety, screen time, and emotional readiness.

We also explore:

· Why age 12–13 is a common starting point — but not a hard rule

· The benefits of starting with a basic phone before transitioning to a smartphone

· The role phones play in safety, independence and mental health

· Tools and strategies for monitoring use and building trust

If you’re wrestling with this decision — or already navigating phone rules with your child — this episode offers thoughtful, real-world guidance to help you make the best choice for your family.

Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth.

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