Is Your Child Ready For A Smartphone?

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NEW YORK (CBS NEWS) - As students across the country head back to school, some parents may be trying to decide if it's the right time to get their children a smartphone.

Computers and iPads are not hard to find in the Silkowski household. But mother Johanna Silkowski draws the line at getting smartphones for 10-year-old Jack and 6-year-old Charles. "They have enough electronics inside," Johanna stated, "they don't need to be outside on a cell phone."

So, how do you know when your child is ready for a smartphone?

Dr. Corinn Cross, spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics, explained that it all depends on the maturity of your child. "Think about the situation your child is in and why you really want to get them the phone," she said. "Do you want to get them the phone so they communicate with their friends? And then, make sure they're ready to handle the responsibility."

Many families, Cross added, make the decision around middle school.

But before handing over that first smartphone, Cross recommends that parents sit down with their kids and set limits, such as charging the phone overnight in a common area, and no texting at the dinner table. Parents should also discuss the dangers of cyberbullying.

Another note for parents -- be up front if you plan to check your children's texts, emails and phone calls. Cross elaborated, "I think that is a good thing to say, 'I have a right to look and see if you are sending inappropriate texts, so don't do anything that you would be embarrassed by me seeing.'"

Jack said that many of his friends have smartphones already, but he is happy with just his iPad, for now. "The only person I'm really texting is my best friend about 'Minecraft,'" the boy said.

If parents do decide to greenlight a smartphone for younger children, experts tell parents to do some research and set up all of the proper safety controls. There are many apps available that can help with these features.