New Parent Poll 2026: Nearly 90% Say Kids Should Not Have Smartphones in Elementary School

Key Summary

We asked CanadianParent.ca readers a simple question: Should kids have smartphones in elementary school?

As of June 2026:

• 89.7% said No — children should not have smartphones in elementary school
• 10.3% said Yes — children should have smartphones in elementary school
• More than 1,500 Canadian parents participated

The findings come as Canada continues debating stronger online safety protections for children, including proposals to restrict social media access for youth under 16. The results suggest many Canadian parents are already taking a cautious approach when it comes to children’s access to connected devices.

Key Findings

Based on responses collected through the CanadianParent.ca community:

• 89.7% of parents said children should not have smartphones in elementary school.
• 10.3% said children should have smartphones in elementary school.
• Parents showed overwhelming support for delaying smartphone ownership until at least the teenage years.
• The results align with growing concerns about screen time, online safety, social media exposure, and mental health among children.

Why Parents Are Saying “No”

For many families, smartphones represent far more than a communication tool.

Today’s smartphones provide instant access to social media, video platforms, messaging apps, online gaming, and web browsing. While these technologies can offer educational and social benefits, many parents worry elementary-aged children may not yet have the maturity to navigate them safely.

Common concerns include:

• Exposure to inappropriate content
• Cyberbullying
• Excessive screen time
• Sleep disruption
• Social media pressure
• Reduced physical activity
• Increased anxiety and mental health concerns

Many parents also report feeling pressure from peers and classmates when deciding whether to give their child a smartphone. However, our poll results suggest most Canadian parents remain firmly opposed to introducing smartphones during the elementary school years.

The Bigger Picture: Canada’s Growing Debate Over Kids and Technology

The timing of this poll is particularly interesting.

In April 2026, members of the federal Liberal Party voted in favour of exploring a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts in Canada. Culture Minister Marc Miller later confirmed the federal government was “very seriously” considering additional restrictions on youth access to social media platforms. (Global News)

Public opinion appears to be moving in the same direction. An Angus Reid survey released earlier this year found that 75% of Canadians support banning social media for youth under 16, while support for restrictions was even higher for specific platforms and features. (Angus Reid Institute)

Around the world, governments are also exploring stricter regulations. Australia has already implemented restrictions on social media access for children under 16, while countries including Norway, Denmark, France, Greece, and the United Kingdom are considering similar approaches. (Reuters)

These developments suggest that concerns about children’s online experiences are no longer limited to individual households—they are increasingly becoming public policy issues.

Deep Insights

One of the most interesting findings from this poll is not simply that parents oppose smartphones in elementary school—it’s the sheer size of the consensus.

Parenting topics often divide opinion. Issues such as screen time limits, sleep training, discipline, and social media posting frequently generate heated debate.

Yet this poll produced one of the strongest majorities we’ve seen.

That may indicate a growing shift in how parents view technology. Rather than asking whether children should have access to smartphones, many parents now appear focused on determining the appropriate age to introduce them.

In other words, the question may no longer be if kids will eventually get smartphones, but when.

For many families, elementary school simply feels too early.

Expert Commentary

“Parents today are navigating challenges previous generations never faced. Smartphones can be incredibly useful tools, but they also provide constant access to social media, messaging, and online content. Our survey suggests that most parents believe elementary school-aged children are simply not ready for that level of digital independence.”

— Cory Arsic, Founder, CanadianParent.ca

What This Means for Parents

Every family is different, and there is no universally correct age for a child’s first smartphone.

Some parents may choose a smartphone earlier due to family circumstances, safety concerns, transportation needs, or communication requirements.

However, the results of this survey suggest that Canadian parents overwhelmingly favour delaying smartphone ownership until after the elementary school years.

As governments, schools, and families continue debating children’s relationship with technology, one message from parents is becoming increasingly clear: when it comes to smartphones in elementary school, most believe it’s better to wait.

Methodology

CanadianParent.ca conducted an online poll asking parents: “Should kids have smartphones in elementary school?”

At the time of publication, 89.7% of respondents answered “No” and 10.3% answered “Yes.”

Results reflect the opinions of participating CanadianParent.ca community members and are intended to provide insight into current parenting attitudes and trends.

Cite This Study

CanadianParent.ca. (2026). New Parent Poll 2026: Nearly 90% Say Kids Should Not Have Smartphones in Elementary School. CanadianParent.ca.

Survey question: Should kids have smartphones in elementary school?

Key finding: 89.7% of respondents said children should not have smartphones in elementary school, while 10.3% said they should.

More Resources for Canadian Parents

The conversation around smartphones, social media, and children’s online safety isn’t going away anytime soon. As technology continues to evolve, many parents are looking for practical ways to set healthy boundaries while helping kids build positive digital habits.

If you’re navigating screen time, online safety, or other parenting challenges, explore some of our most popular resources:

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At CanadianParent.ca, we’re committed to helping parents make informed decisions through community insights, expert-backed information, and real-world experiences from families across Canada.