Guide · Ages 9 to 12
Growing independence: ages 9 to 12
Many children get their own phone at this age. Keep strong defaults, and start handing over small decisions so they learn to make them.
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What this age looks like online
Their own phone often arrives with school, and so do group chats, games with other players and video apps.
They want more say, and they're ready for some of it. They still need the device to catch what they can't yet.
Where to focus
- Age ratings do the everyday workApp and content age ratings block what's clearly too old, so you only need to weigh in on the edge cases.
- Requests, not argumentsShow them Ask for an app and Ask a parent. A request with a reason turns a fight into a quick decision.
- Protect sleepBedtime, plus quiet notifications on Android, keeps late-night group chats from cutting into sleep.
A starting point for an 11-year-old
When you add a child this age, eGuard suggests the Protected profile (stronger controls for younger children). These are its settings. You review them before anything is sent, and can change any of them later.
| Protection | Suggested setting |
|---|---|
| Screen Time | 3h school days, 4h weekends |
| Bedtime | 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM |
| App Restrictions | Apps rated 9+ and under |
| App Approval | Approval required |
| Content Restrictions | Rated 9+ and under |
| Web Filtering | Filtered, 42 sites blocked |
| Downloads | Parent approval |
| Location | Sharing |
| Notification Controls | Quiet during bedtime |
| Uninstall Protection | On |
When to loosen the rules
- Their requests come with good reasons, and they accept a no.
- They tell you about problems online instead of hiding them.
- They manage their daily limit without running out early every day.
Set up eGuard for your child
eGuard suggests these settings for you. Free for one child.