Safety and convenience - the ability to call for help, a ride home, a forgotten lunch.

Danger - cyberbullying, sexting, distracted driving, theft.

When does one outweigh the other?

Parents have spoken. The average age of for a child getting their first smartphone is now 10.3 years.

The NY Times asked some of the experts for their advice, and it doesn't match what's happening in the real world. Some said 12 years, others said 14 years. All said later was better.

Bottom-line: With a cell phone comes increased responsibility - which parents must teach and enforce.