As I parent I am downvoting this because I am quite tired of others judging parents and their technology choices- particularly when it comes to restrictions.

Parenting is hard. Parenting when everything is changing so quickly is very difficult.

Yeah, but your kid can also walk to school without a map, it's not a big deal.

Way I see it, most parents give their kids early access to phones just to keep them sedated and occupied. There is zero benefit for under 14yo to have unrestricted access to the smartphone or internet. It only benefits the parents.