For kids, getting their first smartphone is a milestone — a sign of growing up, independence, and connection. For parents? It’s often a mix of pride and anxiety.

In Belgium, most children receive their first smartphone at around age 11, even though parents would prefer to wait until 13. And while parents want to be supportive, many admit they’re simply not ready. According to iVOX research commissioned by Orange Belgium, 8 in 10 parents don’t know where to find guidance when their child gets their first phone.

That gap between digital enthusiasm and digital readiness is exactly what Orange Belgium wants to close with its new Smartphone Pass, a free online tool designed to get families talking about screen time, privacy, online safety, and cyberbullying — in a way that feels natural, not preachy.

Parents Feel Left Behind in the Digital Race

Six out of ten parents say they can no longer keep up with how fast their kids move through the digital world. Meanwhile, a quarter of children believe their parents “just don’t get it.”

Even well-intentioned parents feel unsure where to draw the line. While only 17% completely trust their child’s sense of responsibility online, 49% say they set clear smartphone rules, and 38% use screen-time limiters or parental control apps.

Yet, the bigger problem might not be control — it’s conversation. 65% of parents say they encounter obstacles when talking about digital safety. These moments often end with frustration or confusion on both sides. The Smartphone Pass aims to break that cycle.

What the Smartphone Pass Does

Orange Belgium’s Smartphone Pass works like a family-friendly, interactive quiz. Parents and kids go through questions and scenarios together — “What would you do if…?” — covering topics such as screen time, privacy, and cyberbullying.

Nathalie Rahbani, Director & Acting Chief Brand, Communication and ESG Officer at Orange Belgium, explains:

“The platform isn’t meant to lecture. It’s a starting point for real conversations. We want the first smartphone moment to become a shared learning experience — not a digital divide.”

The initiative is part of Orange’s broader #ForGoodConnections program, which promotes responsible online behavior and aims to protect young users from digital harm. This year’s focus: cyberbullying — with future campaigns planned around online hate and hyperconnectivity.

Why It Matters — and How Orange Compares

Belgium isn’t alone in facing the “first phone” dilemma. Across Europe, telcos are rethinking their role in supporting digital education.

• Vodafone runs a Digital Parenting Hub, offering guides and checklists for families.
• Telenor introduced Be Safe Online, focusing on Scandinavian parents’ digital literacy.
• Orange France has already rolled out Maison Digitale, which helps families and schools foster healthy tech habits.

What sets Orange Belgium’s Smartphone Pass apart is its interactive, non-judgmental approach — it’s designed for co-experience rather than top-down control.

Research from Common Sense Media and EU Kids Online consistently shows that children respond better when parents engage rather than restrict. In other words, open dialogue works better than digital policing. Orange seems to have taken that insight seriously.

The Bigger Picture: Building Digital Empathy

Professor Steve Majerus of the University of Liège underscores the stakes:

“What children can access online often exceeds their emotional and cognitive maturity. It’s crucial that parents engage in dialogue early, before exposure becomes harm.”

And that’s the essence of the Smartphone Pass — it doesn’t solve every digital risk, but it empowers families to start talking about them before problems appear.

In a world where kids are digital natives and parents are still catching up, this feels like a smart, human move. Orange isn’t just connecting devices — it’s helping people reconnect around them.

Conclusion

Orange Belgium’s Smartphone Pass taps into a growing need for digital literacy with empathy — a movement that’s gaining traction across Europe. While tools like Vodafone’s Digital Parenting Hub or Deutsche Telekom’s “Teachtoday” offer guidance, they often feel one-sided. Orange Belgium, instead, emphasizes shared understanding — a more sustainable model for modern families.

As screen time debates evolve and AI-driven algorithms shape online experiences from a younger age, telecom operators are quietly becoming digital mentors. The Smartphone Pass is a glimpse of that future—where connectivity isn’t just about networks but about human connection done right.