By age 12, most children worldwide own a smartphone, often receiving one in late primary school or during the transition to secondary school. Despite growing concerns about the effects of early smartphone ownership, including developmental, mental, and physical wellbeing risks, little is known about the lived experiences of tweens (9 to12 year olds) as they first navigate this technology for the first time. This issue has sparked global responses, such as school phone bans, Australia’s proposed social media age restrictions, and movements encouraging parents to delay smartphone access.

My research captures the experiences of three tweens and their parents in the early stages of initial smartphone ownership, using a portraiture methodology. I explore how these children use their phones, the evolving opportunities and risks, and the impact on their behaviour, relationships, and family dynamics. I also examine how parents mediate and support their child during this transition and the challenges they face. I frame this period as a ‘digital puberty’, triggered by initial smartphone ownership, representing a pivotal shift from a supervised digital childhood to increasingly independent and ubiquitous digital technology use.

During this presentation, I will provide an overview of the current landscape, some of my key research findings, as well as some actionable recommendations for parents and schools.

Mark Yeowell is an emerging expert on digital parenting, dedicated to helping children and young people thrive in an increasingly digital world. As a doctoral candidate at UNSW, his research explores the experiences and impact of initial smartphone ownership among tweens. With over 30 years of school leadership experience and as a parent of two teenage sons, Mark understands both the challenges and fun of raising children in the digital age.

Mark is the founder of Digital Tweens, an initiative that empowers children, parents, and educators by building digital skills, fostering healthy technology habits, and equipping families with the tools to navigate risks while maximising opportunities. Adopting a practical, authentic, and positive approach, Mark provides realistic strategies to support digital parenting and education in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.