Controversial Christmas gift Jimmy Fallon has bought for his daughters

It's the question that's been plaguing parents since the dawn of technology: what age is the 'right' age to get your kids a phone?

You don't want to do it too early for fear they get addicted (like us), but you also don't want to leave it too late that they get teased for not having one – or worse, they find themselves in an unsafe situation.

Talk show host Jimmy Fallon has thrown down the gauntlet, giving his opinion on the controversial purchase.

Watch the video above.

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Speaking on talk show Live With Kelly and Mark, the 49-year old celebrity dad revealed he's bought his daughters, Winnie, 10, and Franny, nine, a phone for Christmas because "I know that their friends are getting phones".

Fallon also admitted he didn't know what else to get the girls.

The show's hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, a couple with three teenage children, immediately tried to dissuade Fallon from his controversial purchase.

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"Don't do it" they both said in agreement, but Fallon replied, "I know, but it's happening… it's out of my control". 

Ripa took her discouragement a step further, repeatedly saying, "No, no, no, no, don't do it", while Consuelos suggested Fallon get them a "flip-phone" instead.

But the comedian said it's too late and he's already bought them, shouting, "It's already done! I got them a phone!"

The debate is not uncommon among parents, especially now that there seems to be a shift in the age kids are getting given a smart device.

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New research out of America suggests 42 per cent of US kids have a phone by age 10, but by age 14, smartphone ownership climbs to 91 per cent.

That's a lot of connected kids.

In fact, Dr. Catherine Pearlman, author of "First Phone," a child's guide to digital responsibility and safety, told TODAY.com kindergarten is "a great time to begin digital education".

The licensed clinical social worker and family coach says if parents introduce healthy smartphone boundaries, then they can "slowly expand on concepts".

Pearlman says parents who decide their child isn't ready for a phone should still be teaching children how to be mindful and safe on the internet.

So what age do you think kids should be given a phone? Vote on our poll below.