How to Choose the Best Cell Phone for Kids

For younger kids, a flip phone or basic cellphone might be the best option. Not only do they work for communication, but they also eliminate the concern about what your child might find while browsing the internet. On the other hand, your youngster might benefit from certain smartphone apps, or they could feel like the odd one out if they’re the only kid without a smartphone.

Because there is no set age requirement for a child to get a smartphone, the right time should be based on how ready your child is for the responsibility. To set them up for success, be sure to talk about that responsibility together. It’s good to do this early before your child has access to a smartphone, tablet, or any device that can access online sites and share data. This conversation should touch on not sharing personal information, not downloading content from unknown sources and not using the phone to bully or harass others.

You can also set rules. For example, you may want to limit technology use during meals or certain activities. Remember that your best chance at getting your child to stick to technology boundaries is to model good behavior yourself. If you’re constantly scrolling or retreating to your phone during social events or over dinner, your child will likely do the same.

Many parents feel more secure handing their child a phone after installing a parental monitoring app. Depending on the chosen plan, these apps can alert parents of cyberbullying, sexual content or questionable connections. They can also block certain kinds of sites and even pause internet connections at selected times of the day. For instance, you can schedule the phone to shut down at a certain time each night and not turn on again until after they are ready for school in the morning.

These apps can increase your child’s security and help manage screen time. Although, if you feel that demonstrating trust is a better way to encourage responsibility, then monitoring may not be right for you. Finding the balance between safety and freedom is important for allowing your child to become independent and self-reliant over time. Either way, giving them a kid-friendly cell phone in the first place can help avoid a lot of the hassle and give you peace of mind.

Along the lines of supporting self-reliance, one of the most important things to consider when choosing the best starter phone for your kid is what type of phone your child would prefer. At this point, most tweens and teens have developed their own personal taste and will likely already have a specific cell phone model in mind.

Does this mean you should let them pressure you into buying the most expensive phone on the market? No, of course not. Part of this journey is about showing your child what it’s like to make responsible and informed choices. Therefore, let your child know what your budget is for the phone, then look over the options within that budget together. One way to get a phone at a reasonable price is to look at refurbished phones that have been professionally restored.

You may want to discuss upfront what will happen if the phone gets lost or stolen. If you want, you can make it clear that if the phone needs replacing, they will be getting a cheaper model in future. When configuring your budget, don’t forget to factor in a screen protector and a phone case. Because it’s more than likely that your child’s phone will take a few tumbles.

You might already have a family plan that allows you to add another phone. But if not, you can look for cell phone plans that offer deals on phones if you sign up with their service. This can be one way to get a phone that would otherwise be much more expensive.

Additionally, consider the other cellular devices in your home. If you have Apple laptops or iPads, an iPhone will sync with those, but an iPhone may not be the best option if you have PCs. You could also decide to go with a prepaid cell phone with a set monthly amount of data that ensures your child won’t rack up enormous cell phone bills. This is also a good way to give your child freedom with thoughtful constraints.

Whatever you end up deciding is right for your child, know that you can change your mind if necessary. Make your ground rules and expectations clear from the start, as well as the consequences for not following those rules. Then, hold to the agreement you have outlined. With these guardrails in place, you can make your child’s first smartphone a positive experience for you both.