By the age of 10, kids are showing signs of maturity and independence. However, there are often age restrictions concerning things that kids hope to have, such as phones, social media, and jobs. Some even want to start dating.

“I think kids start maturing around 13 because they hit puberty and become more calm,” said Michael R. However,  According to kidshealth.org many kids between ages ten and sixteen are starting to become more mature.

According to pewresearch.org, 95% of the U.S adult population owns a cell phone. 53% of U.S children also have a cell phone. The percent of children who have a phone in the U.S is roughly half. Yet more kids should have a phone because it can be used as a social and learning tool. It is also proven that cell phones teach responsibility according to Mondernmom. So what is the best age to get a phone?

“I think a good age to have a phone would be twelve or thirteen so your parents can contact you, and you can have all of your friends’ numbers,” said Ella S.

The average age kids acquire a phone is 10 years old, says Pew Research. This is a good age to have a phone because kids are becoming more involved with others. It is also the age when kids start going out with friends and relatives, and parents may need to contact them while their kids are out and about.

Currently, social media is very popular for America’s youth. Many media platforms attract underage children. This leaves parents wondering what is the appropriate age for tweens to have social media? Although research suggests that the appropriate age may be thirteen years old, many kids still access social media under the approved age limit. This can leave kids vulnerable to a number of risks.

“I think you should be 14 or 15 years old because kids shouldn’t be exposed to all the bad things,” said Brooklyn S. 

Since social media is very popular, parents may be curious about who their kids talk with. Some may track their children’s accounts or apply parental restrictions.

Phones and apps cost money, which parents are hesitant to afford. So what is the appropriate age for kids to have a job in order to pay for some of their wants? Kids ages ten through thirteen often express interest in earning a little cash. But the minimum working age is 14, so how are these younger kids supposed to earn money?

“I think kids should get a serious job at the age of 17. But I think that kids can have non-serious, self-employed jobs at 13,” said Owen N.

Kids should be able to have a job and be self-employed at the age of 10 (ex. dog-walking, lawn mowing). More serious jobs like fast food should be available at age 14. 

And what about dating?  When that question comes up, some may say age doesn’t matter in a relationship. “Others take into account the maturity of their children and what is meant by ‘date,’” says Wise Geek. However, the ideal age limit for dating varies. Much of it depends on how parents consider the maturity of their kids.

“I think the proper age to start dating is thirteen years old, because (students) are mature enough to have friends and learn who to talk to and who you should hang out with,” said Aidan M.

Cell phones are a big part of many people’s lives and should be given to younger people who are ready for it. Also, social media should be available to kids ages 13 and up because it can enhance responsibility, and 13 is an appropriate age for it. Jobs should be allowed to kids at any age because it is a great learning experience.  And Dating is a subject that varies by person and should be considered by personality and maturity.