If your child is over the age of 9, they probably want a phone. All their friends already have one so they want to fit in. Or maybe you’re the one who wants them to have a phone so you can stay in touch with them. Whatever the case, you can’t argue with the fact that your kid having a phone is practical, regardless of how much negativity there is around phones these days.
But you can’t just buy a device and hand it to them, you need to set it up so it’s safe and they can use it responsibly. But how do you know when the time is right? Is it still too soon? Is your child responsible enough? Why do they even want a phone? Do they actually need it or is it just a new toy they want?
It’s a hard decision to make, but here’s the good news – not all phones are the same and this article will help you find the best one.
Is Your Child Ready for a Phone?
Just because your child is of a certain age doesn’t mean they’re ready for a phone. Some kids are responsible enough at 9, others need more time. It’s about maturity, not how old they are. Can they follow rules, are they able to handle other devices responsibly, do they understand the limits you set?
If they’re always losing things, can’t really stay within boundaries or they’re still trying to stuff Legos up their nose, maybe wait a year or two before getting them a phone. But if they walk home alone or have after-school activities, a phone would be a good choice.
As a parent, you also need to be ready for this. If you give a phone to your child, you have to set clear expectations, like when they can use it, who they can be in touch with, and what rules they need to follow. You’ll also have to stay involved, keep an eye on their habits, and teach them how to use the phone safely and responsibly.
Types of First Phones
When it comes to phones for kids, some are simple and basic, while others have more features. Trying to find the best phones for kids isn’t easy because it’s not just what the kids want that matters, parents need to be comfortable with the phones, too.
Here are your options.
- Basic Phones (Talk and Text Only)
This is your simplest option out there. Basic phones (flip phones, candy-bar-style phones) will allow your child to talk and text, but that’s it. There’s no social media, internet access, or apps. Basically, no fun stuff that could get them in trouble or that could get them exposed to something you don’t want.
They’re ideal for younger kids that need a way to reach their parents or guardians and they’re also very safe. Basic phones have long battery life and they’re usually very durable.
- Feature Phones (Minimal Apps and Limited Functions)
Feature phones are a bit more flexible than basic ones, but they still keep things simple. They usually have features like GPS tracking, a basic camera, and a few pre-installed apps. However, there’s no open app store, which means kids can’t download social media or unrestricted internet browsers.
These phones are excellent middle ground for any parent that wants their child to have a little more functionality without the risks that come with an actual smartphone.
- Smartphones with Parental Controls
A smartphone with built-in parental controls is great for parents who don’t mind giving their child a smartphone. They come with tools that monitor screen time, don’t allow kids to download apps, and block all content that’s inappropriate. Some will even allow you to track your child’s location.
The upside is that these have more communication options (video calls, educational apps, etc.), but they still keep the kids safe. A lot of popular smartphones have parental controls already built in.
- No-Internet Phones
These are made specifically for kids and they remove internet browsing and social media completely. With no-internet phones, kids’ safety is a priority. Kids can call, text, and sometimes there’s GPS tracking, but that’s it. No app stores, no open web access.
What to Think About When Buying a First Phone
Before you make a decision, here’s what you should consider.
- Parental Controls
Some phones have built-in restrictions, others don’t. It’s really important that you check how much control you’ll have over the device before you buy it. Some phones will allow you to manage screen time, block apps, and keep an eye on usage. Others won’t allow you to do anything, so your child will be able to access everything they want, which is not the best.
Make sure that the phone you choose has strong parental controls but still gives your child some sense of independence.
- Battery Life and Durability
Your kid couldn’t care less about their phone’s battery percentage, so if you get them a phone that needs to be charged every single day, you’re in for a migraine. You’ll also want the phone to be durable because a kid will drop it at least once a day. Water resistance and a reinforced screen are also features that are great to have.
- GPS Tracking and Emergency Features
It’s completely normal if you feel more comfortable giving your child a phone that has GPS tracking and emergency contact options. Some phones will show you your kid’s location in real-time, others offer geofencing.
Emergency features like an SOS button or quick-dial emergency contacts provide security, especially for children that walk home from school alone.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s about balance. You want to give your child some independence and teach them about responsibility, but you don’t want them to be exposed to everything the internet has to offer. There are many kid-friendly phones on the market, and some of them have even been designed for kids specifically, such as the Gabb Phone 4.
Think carefully, but also consider what your child wants.
With a master's degree in telecommunications and over 15 years of working experience in telecommunications, networking, and online security, he deeply understands cybersecurity's value and importance. Max leverages his vast experience and knowledge to research the latest cyber threats, scams, malware, and viruses in-depth.