Looking for the best phones for kids as they head back to school? Youâre not alone. Whether itâs for staying in touch, helping with homework, or just keeping them safe, a reliable phone can make a big difference during the school year.
We know that kids drop things. Lose things. Occasionally âaccidentallyâ flush things. Thatâs why weâre focusing on refurbished phonesâtheyâre cheaper than new, just as robust, and come with warranties and optional insurance to give you peace of mind. Less panic if disaster strikes.
Below are 5 solid choices for secondary school kids, each great in its own way. From parental controls to location tracking, weâve picked phones that help your child stay safe, and help you stay sane.
1. iPhone SE (2020) â Familiar, Safe, Still Powerful
- Works seamlessly with Family Sharing and Screen Time
- Easily track your child with âFind Myâ
- Compact size, tough design, water-resistant
- Refurbished cost from ~ÂŁ99
- Backed by warranty + optional insurance
â Great for families already using Apple devicesâeasy to manage and monitor.
2. Samsung Galaxy A05s â Big Screen, Big Value
- Runs Android with Google Family Link for screen time limits, app filters and tracking
- Long-lasting battery and big screen for school tasks
- Refurbished price from ~ÂŁ125
â Ideal if you want full parental control without paying Apple prices.
3. Motorola Moto G8 Power â Built for Clumsy Hands
- Huge 5,000mAh battery means fewer âI forgot to charge itâ excuses
- Google Family Link compatible
- Tough and reliable for rough schoolbags and lunch halls
- Refurbished from ~ÂŁ65
â A smart budget choice that doesnât cut corners on function.
4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 â No-Frills, All the Essentials
- Full Android access with safety tools via Family Link
- Bright, spacious 6.7âł screen
- Refurbished from ~ÂŁ110
â Great for messaging, maps, and schoolworkâwithout overcomplicating things.
5. Motorola Moto E6 Plus â A Starter Phone That Works
- Simple interface, mainly for calls and texts
- Small, distraction-free, and extremely affordable
- Price from ~ÂŁ50
â Perfect for younger secondary students or a âfirst phoneâ trial.
Why Refurbished is Best for Kids
- Big savings compared to buying new
- No major heartbreak if it gets lost, smashed or soaked
- Still tested, cleaned, and reliable
- Comes with warranty, and optional insurance for extra protection
Weâve already taken in over 1 million phones for reuse or recyclingâgiving tech a second life while keeping costs low for families.
If youâre looking for even tighter control and fewer distractions, these are worth a look:
- Bark Phone â Monitors texts, social apps, location
- Gabb Phone â No internet, no social media, just calls & texts
- Pinwheel â Blocks unwanted apps, includes study mode and safe zones
Note: These cost more and often require monthly subscriptions, but theyâre built for maximum peace of mind.
Safety Features Parents Will Appreciate
All the phones weâve listed support key features like:
- đ Location Tracking (Find My, Family Link)
- â Parental Controls (app limits, screen time, content filters)
- đ Emergency Contact Access
- đ Tamper-Proof Settings on kid-focused phones
These features help you keep your child safe without hoveringâand give them the independence they want at secondary school age.
Quick Comparison
| Phone | Best For | Price (Refurb) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2020 | iOS users, tight parental control | ~ÂŁ99 | Family Sharing, Find My |
| Samsung Galaxy A05s | Android control and performance | ~ÂŁ125 | Family Link, big screen |
| Motorola G8 Power Lite | Battery life, durability | ~ÂŁ65 | Long battery, tough design |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Simple & reliable Android | ~ÂŁ110 | Big screen, Family Link |
| Motorola Moto E6 Plus | First phone, basic use | ~ÂŁ50 | No internet, basic calls & texts |
Final Thoughts: Pick What Works for Your Family
Thereâs no one-size-fits-all answer to the best phones for kids. Some kids need something simple. Others want a smartphone that feels just like yours (but safer). And you want something that wonât cost a fortune to replace when it gets dropped on concrete.
Thatâs why refurbished phones are a smart choice: you get the same great tech at a lower cost, backed by warranty and optional insurance, so school-day accidents arenât a disaster.
Ready to pick the right phone for your child? Check out our full range of refurbished phones at Back to School Phone Deals and get school-ready without the stress.
