Overview:
ToggleThe Best Phones for Kids in 2024
According to a 2023 study by Ofcom, most children in the UK own their first smartphone before they’re in their teens. The study found that 55% of 8-11 year-olds have their own phone, indicating that mobile phones have become a fundamental part of life for most young people. Whilst there are many parents who will still hesitate to buy their young kids phones, the question has definitely shifted to “when”, not “if”, children will get their first phone.
The next question to answer is which smartphone is best suited for your child. To answer this, we’ll be looking at a few key features of an ideal kid’s phone.
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Key Features for the Best Child's Phone
Kids can be rough on phones, so durability is key. Look for sturdy models, ideally with water and dust resistance. Since accidents happen, it’s wise to choose a budget-friendly option, like a refurbished device, to avoid hefty replacement costs.
Opt for a phone with user-friendly parental controls, allowing you to manage apps, set screen time limits, and monitor usage. Safety features like an SOS button, GPS tracking, and emergency contacts are also valuable for keeping your child secure.
Choose a phone with a simple, intuitive interface, especially for younger kids or those new to smartphones. A long-lasting battery is essential to ensure the phone stays powered throughout the day for communication and safety.
Our Top Picks for the Best Phones for Kids in 2024
Google Pixel 7a
- Recommended Age Group: 13+ years
- With it’s advanced features, the Google Pixel 7a is ideal for kids and teens who are interested in photography and using apps. It has a great camera and large battery life to give you peace of mind while they’re out and about.Â
- Additionally, Google Family Link allows you to easily implement parental controls
- It’s pricier than most other entry level phones, but thanks to The Big Phone Store’s competitive pricing, you’ll always be getting the best deals!
Motorola Moto G
- Recommended Age Group: 6-10 yearsÂ
- As an entry-level smartphone, the Moto G is perfect for younger children who are new to using a phone. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and easy to navigate, offering just the right amount of features for a first phone.
- What’s even better, you can buy a Moto G for as low as ÂŁ55 at The Big Phone Store!
Samsung Galaxy A23
- Recommended Age Group: 8-12 years
- The Galaxy A23 is an affordable choice that works well for younger kids. It has a decent camera and battery life, making it suitable for everyday use, including light gaming and communication.
- Parental controls through Google’s Family Link help parents oversee their child’s activities.
- You can buy a refurbished Galaxy A23 for less than ÂŁ150 at The Big Phone Store!
Nokia 5.4
Recommended Age Group: 7-12 years
The Nokia 5.4 is equipped with a decent processor, a good battery life, and a clean Android experience, which ensures that it performs well for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Nokia phones are known for their sturdy construction, making the 5.4 a good choice for younger kids who might not handle their devices with care.
The phone runs on Android, which means you can use Google’s Family Link to manage and monitor your child’s usage.
This is another great budget choice, coming in at around ÂŁ57!
New vs Refurbished: Which is Better For Kids?
When buying a phone for your child, cost is often a major consideration. While new phones, like the iPhone, offer excellent security and parental controls, they can be quite expensive. However, a refurbished iPhone can provide the same benefits at a lower price, making it an ideal option for parents.
Refurbished phones are a great choice if you want all the features of a top-tier device without paying the full retail price. These phones have been restored to like-new condition, offering the same functionality as a new model, but at a significantly reduced cost. This makes them a smart option for kids, who might be rougher on their devices.
At The Big Phone Store, our refurb devices are competitively priced to ensure you get the best deal. Each device undergoes a meticulous 90-point inspection and data-wiping process. This ensures that the phone is fully tested, secure, and performs just like a brand-new device, giving you peace of mind with your purchase!
What is the Best Age for a Child to Get a Phone?
Deciding when to give your child their first phone can be tricky, as there’s no set rule. Every child is different, and some may be ready for technology earlier than others.
Children often start asking for a phone due to social pressure or a desire to fit in, especially as they begin spending more time with friends or using public transport alone. A phone can help ensure their safety and keep you connected.
For younger children, under 13, a phone might be useful if you need to coordinate with them due to irregular work hours, shared caregiving, or when they’re away from trusted adults.
Teenagers may be more responsible with a phone, especially if they help cover the costs with a part-time job, which can also teach them the value of taking care of their belongings.
Tips for Giving Your Child Their First Phone
When giving your child their first phone, establish clear rules from the start. Let them know you’ll check the phone regularly to monitor the apps and content they’re accessing. If you find anything inappropriate, use it as an opportunity to teach them about online safety and how to protect themselves.
Be specific about what’s acceptable, such as no access to adult content, gaming limits, and respectful language online. Talk to them about privacy, respecting boundaries, and the potential impact of social media on their mental health. Help them understand why it’s important to manage their screen time.
Consider setting a bill cap on their SIM card to control monthly expenses. You can adjust this limit through your carrier’s app or website. A Pay As You Go SIM can also be a good option, allowing your child to manage their own top-ups.
Take advantage of parental controls to block inappropriate content, manage screen time, and limit app usage. These tools can help protect against cyberbullying and exposure to harmful material. Additionally, limit Wi-Fi access to necessary times to reduce temptation.
Talk to your child about what’s acceptable behavior online and encourage them to come to you if they’re ever concerned. Explain how to identify and avoid cyberbullying, report inappropriate content, and keep their personal information secure. Teach them to recognise fake accounts and the importance of not sharing contact details on public forums.
In Summary
“It can be challenging to monitor what children access online the moment they have access to a mobile phone because it is a private technology that many keeps close to their chests” Simon Leggett, research director at Childwise.
When deciding on a phone for your child, it’s essential to consider how you’ll guide them in using technology responsibly. Most smartphones come with parental controls, allowing you to limit what your child can access and monitor their usage. This helps them learn safe online habits before they start exploring the internet and interacting with others.
It’s crucial to know your family’s needs and decide if a phone is necessary for your child at this time. If you choose to get one, don’t forget to protect it with a phone case and screen protector to minimise the risk of damage.
Not all kids need a smartphone, but there are plenty of great options for those who do. Just be sure to choose a phone that fits your child’s needs and your budget. With options across different platforms and price ranges, there’s a suitable choice for every family.
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