It's a question many parents now ask themselves - how old should a child be before being given their own mobile phone?

And with the start of the new school year edging closer, and many 10 and 11-year-olds off to secondary school with greater independence, the question may be cropping up a little more.

According to research conducted by online safety organisation Internet Matters last year, the average age that a child in the UK receives a mobile phone is 10.

On its website Internet Matters pulls together various guides for parents which include which phones are most suitable for children and how to set up parental controls on various makes and models of smartphone to help families feel confident in handing over those first devices.

The NSPCC says whilst mobile phones are a great way of keeping in touch, it is for parents and carers to decide when is the right time for their child to own a mobile phone.

Before handing over a phone for the first time the charity suggests that parents and the phone's young new owner 'explore their online world together' so that appropriate boundaries can be put in place.

Laura Randall, NSPCC associate head of child safety online said: “One of the best ways for parents to keep their children safe is by having regular conversations about what they are doing online, similar to finding out about their day at home or school. Parents will be able to spot any problems, and should encourage their child to come to them if they’re worried, as well as making sure their child knows what’s ok to share online - and what’s not.

“Today’s children don’t see the division between online and offline worlds, so it is vital that parents talk to them about the possible dangers they could face online, and how to protect themselves. Just as you would with all the offline places they socialise and play.”

The NSPCC has also issued a number of mobile safety tips for young people responsible for their own device for the first time. These include:

• Being careful with your number - only give it to your friends and people that you trust
• Don't lend your phone to someone you don't know or put it in a place where other people could get hold of it
• Use a PIN. Most phones allow you to lock your phone with a PIN code. If you don't have the code you can't unlock it, so if anyone steals your phone they won't be able to use it.
• Don't be pressured to give your number out. If someone is pressuring you into giving them your number, tell someone about it such as a teacher or a parent.
• Switch your Bluetooth off. If you have Bluetooth on your phone, keep it switched off when you are not using it.
• Keep your phone with you and if you are worried about it being taken, keep it hidden from sight.

Both the NSPCC and Childline offers lots of advice for both parents and your children on how to stay safe on mobiles and online. Please go to www.childline.org.uk or www.nspcc.org.uk