A Survival Guide for Parents: Phones for Kids, Teens and Everything In-Between!
In today’s world, giving your child a phone feels like a rite of passage, a technological milestone that’s as important as their first bike ride without stabilisers. But with so many options on the market, deciding which phone to buy for your child, preteen, or teenager can feel like a daunting task. Do they need the latest smartphone, or will a simple “dumbphone” do the trick? What about safety features, screen time limits, or that ever-present concern – peer pressure?
We’re here to help you navigate these choppy waters and pick the perfect device for your little one (or not-so-little one).
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Why Do Kids Need Phones Anyway? The Modern Day Must-Have
In the digital age, having a phone is about more than just chatting with friends. For kids, a phone represents safety, security, and connectivity. Whether they’re calling home to let you know they’ve arrived safely or using it to explore educational apps, a phone can be an excellent tool for development. For teens, a phone can also be a way to express their independence while still allowing parents to keep an eye on their whereabouts.
It’s not just about communication anymore; today’s kids are growing up in a world where technology is intertwined with their daily lives, so a phone can be a great way to help them learn responsibility.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Phone for Your Child
Let’s face it – kids break things. Whether it’s an accidental drop in the loo or an impromptu science experiment involving ice cream and electronics, it’s smart to go for a budget-friendly option. Refurbished phones are a fantastic way to save money while still getting quality tech (more on that later).
The younger the child, the more resilient their phone needs to be. If your child is known for their butter fingers, look for something sturdy with a protective case.
While kids don’t need all the bells and whistles, teens might want a phone that keeps up with their growing need for social media, gaming, and apps. Think carefully about what functions your child will actually use.
A dead phone is no use to anyone, least of all a teenager glued to TikTok. Make sure you pick a phone with a battery life that can last through a school day (and a bit of scrolling).
For peace of mind, look for phones that offer tracking or GPS features so you can know where your child is at any given time. This can be particularly handy for younger children on their first solo adventures.
Dumbphones vs. Smartphones: Back to Basics or Full-on Tech?
When it comes to choosing a phone for your child, the big question is: dumbphone or smartphone? Let’s break it down to see which one fits your needs.
Dumbphones (Feature Phones): Simple, Safe, and Solid
- Calls & Texts Only: Perfect for keeping things simple – no internet, no social media, no distractions.
- Durability: These phones are built like tanks. They can survive drops, spills, and the occasional adventure into the garden.
- Long Battery Life: Forget charging every day; these phones can go for days without a recharge. You’ll never have to worry about not being able to reach them!
- Less Temptation: No apps, no games, and definitely no YouTube spirals. This keeps your child focused on communication rather than entertainment.
Best For: Younger kids or those who need a phone just for the basics.
Smartphones: The Full Tech Experience
- All-in-One Devices: Smartphones aren’t just for communication. They offer apps, social media, gaming, cameras, and everything else a teen could want.
- Learning & Entertainment: From educational apps to creative tools, smartphones can be both a learning resource and an entertainment centre.
- Responsibility Factor: With all that tech comes the need for responsibility. Managing screen time, social media pressure, and staying safe online are part of the package.
- Connectivity: They’re more than phones – they’re mini computers that keep your teen connected to the world.
Best For: Older kids and teens who need more than just calling and texting.
So, now that we’ve covered the key considerations, let’s dive into our top phone picks for kids, preteens, and teens from our range at The Big Phone Store!
The Best Phones for Children (Ages 6-9)
For Children of this age group, we strongly recommend a feature phone, or one with limited features to ensure their safety!
Motorola Moto G
Why it’s great: The Motorola Moto G is a versatile and durable smartphone, offering more advanced features for slightly older children while still providing parental control options. It’s perfect for kids who need a bit more from their phone but with safety in mind.
Features: Solid performance, long-lasting battery, parental control via Google Family Link, and good value for money.
Wiko Lubi5
Why it’s great: The Wiko Lubi5 is a feature phone with basic calling and texting capabilities, ideal for children who don’t need internet access or advanced features. It’s durable and distraction-free, keeping the focus solely on communication.
Features: Simple calls and texts, long battery life, no internet access, and very affordable.
Alcatel U5
Why it’s great: The Alcatel U5 is a simple and affordable smartphone, perfect for kids just getting started with tech. It offers basic functionality and the ability to monitor usage through parental controls, making it a safe option for younger children.
Features: Basic calling and texting, Google Family Link parental controls, compact design, and budget-friendly.
Motorola Moto E
Why it’s great: The Motorola Moto E is a budget-friendly entry-level smartphone that provides enough functionality for kids while allowing parents to manage and monitor its use through Google’s parental controls.
Features: Affordable, long battery life, basic smartphone functionality, supports Google Family Link for parental control.
The Best Phones for Pre-Teens (Ages 10-12)
At this age, children can start delving into the world of smartphones while still being heavily monitored with parental controls.
Nokia 6.2
Why it’s great: The Nokia 6.2 offers a great balance of functionality and simplicity, making it ideal for preteens. It’s durable and reliable, with enough features to keep preteens entertained without overwhelming them.
Features: long battery life, solid build quality, Google Family Link for parental control.
Google Pixel 4a
Why it’s great: The Google Pixel 4a is perfect for preteens who enjoy photography and light app use. It provides excellent performance with a great camera and easy-to-use parental controls through Google’s ecosystem.
Features: Excellent camera, compact design, Google Family Link parental controls, smooth performance.
Motorola G23
Why it’s great: The Motorola G23 is a budget-friendly smartphone with solid performance, making it a smart choice for preteens who need a reliable device for communication, light gaming, and schoolwork.
Features: long battery life, durable build, Google Family Link for monitoring usage.
iPhone SE (2022)
Why it’s great: The iPhone SE (2022) is a powerful yet compact device that offers preteens access to Apple’s ecosystem. With its strong performance and advanced parental controls, it’s perfect for preteens ready for more responsibility.
Features: Apple’s Screen Time parental controls, durable design.
The Best Phones for Teens (Ages 13+)
Here are some of the best phones for teens that offer some great features, but still offer protection to keep them safe.
Google Pixel 6a
Why it’s great: The Google Pixel 6a offers a top-tier camera and performance at a budget-friendly price, perfect for teens who love photography, social media, and apps. Its smooth integration with Google’s ecosystem makes it easy to manage.
Features: Excellent camera, compact design, strong performance, Google Family Link for parental controls.
iPhone 11
Why it’s great: The iPhone 11 provides teens with a premium experience, offering great performance, long battery life, and a reliable camera for social media and creativity. Its compatibility with Apple’s parental controls makes it a safe choice.
Features: Apple Screen Time parental controls, A13 Bionic chip.
Samsung Galaxy A54
Why it’s great: The Samsung Galaxy A54 combines great features like a vibrant display and good battery life, ideal for teens who enjoy gaming, streaming, and social media. Samsung’s parental controls provide peace of mind.
Features: strong battery life, Samsung Knox security, and parental controls.
OnePlus Nord 2
Why it’s great: The OnePlus Nord 2 is perfect for teens who want a high-performance phone without the flagship price. It’s fast, great for gaming, and has an excellent camera setup, while still offering ways for parents to monitor usage.
Features: fast performance, Android parental controls via Google Family Link.
SIM Wars: Should You Go for Contracts or PAYGo?
Contracts can be convenient, especially if your teen is constantly on their phone. You get a shiny new device bundled with a SIM, and you’re all set with a set monthly payment. Sounds easy, right? But here’s the catch – contracts can get expensive, fast. There’s no fixed rate, which means providers can (and often do) raise their prices month-to-month.
A smarter move? Buy an unlocked refurbished phone and pair it with a separate SIM. This gives you the freedom to shop around for a better deal, with no surprise price hikes. Plus, PAYGo (Pay As You Go) SIMs help your child or teen learn responsibility by managing their own usage and keeping costs under control.
Peer Pressure and Social Media: The Not-So-Silent Influence
It’s no secret that children and teens are heavily influenced by their peers. If their friends have the latest iPhone, they’re probably going to want one too – and they might even face pressure to keep up with the tech trends. As a parent, you’ll need to balance their desires with practicality and affordability. Remember, a good phone doesn’t have to be the most expensive one!
Social media is a minefield for kids and teens alike. While it can be a fun way to stay connected, it can also expose them to cyberbullying, peer pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards. Ensuring that your child has limited, safe access to social media until they’re mature enough to handle it is key. Many phones allow you to block certain apps or set usage limits to help with this.
Internet Safety 101: Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Wild Web World
Internet safety is a huge concern for parents, and rightly so. From ensuring that your child doesn’t have unrestricted access to inappropriate content to protecting them from online predators, it’s important to teach your child how to navigate the online world responsibly. Many phones come with parental controls and monitoring apps that let you set limits on screen time, restrict certain websites, and track their activity. Setting boundaries is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance between tech time and real-world activities.
Refurbished Phones: Why Smart Shoppers Are Going Green
Buying a refurbished phone isn’t just about saving money (although it does help!). It’s also a fantastic way to teach your child about sustainability and the importance of reusing technology rather than constantly buying new. Plus, you can often get top-quality models that are just like new but without the hefty price tag here at The Big Phone Store.
Refurbished phones are particularly great for kids and teens, as they’re more affordable and still come with all the features they need- while also protected by a 12-month warranty (So we’ll keep their phone safe even if they don’t!)
So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to choosing the right phone for your child, preteen, or teen. Whether you’re going for a no-frills dumbphone or a tricked-out smartphone, remember: it’s not just about the tech, it’s about keeping them safe, connected, and, let’s be honest, a little less likely to “borrow” your phone every five minutes. Choose wisely, set those screen time limits, and may your Wi-Fi signal always be strong!
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