My dad went with me to sign up for a credit card with a $500 max before I left for college. That's smart, but also not everyone has the benefit of a dad who is (a) present to do that; (b) aware of the benefit of getting your 18 year old a credit card; and (c) aware that you should probably shop around for one with a low limit.
But the flip side is my first card with a limit that was above what I could handle, I was irresponsible with; and then worked two jobs for a year to pay off.
The Venn diagram of people with parents who can guide them correctly, and then also demand their children be held responsible for their mistakes is very small though,