There’s no legal age at which you can buy a phone for your child, unlike driving a car. You’ll shoulder the cost, but a phone can be in a child’s hands at any age.
However, the choice of which phone is best for kids and its cost isn’t really the main issue for parents. And getting a good SIM plan for kids isn’t too much of a problem either.
Instead, the main issue is timing. At what age is a child ready for a phone of their own, and should it be a basic phone? If so, when are they ready for a smartphone?
If you’re a parent or carer of a child, here’s what you need to know.
What are the risks of a phone to a child?
While we cover how to keep kids safe online and the dangers of the internet in a separate article, here are some of the biggest ones.
First, kids can be exposed to inappropriate content online, like violence or pornography. They might also be targeted by cyberbullies or online predators.
It’s also easy for kids to get sucked into games, social media and videos. This can lead to problems with sleep, attention span and both mental and physical health.
Too much screen time can take away from real-world interactions with friends and family. What’s more, looking at screens for too long can cause eye strain and headaches.
There’s also some concern about the long-term health effects of cell phone radiation. While almost every adult and most older children carry a phone with them every day, you should be careful not to set young children up for potential risks.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
You can mitigate some of the risks by ensuring that your child does not know the password for the app store on the phone. This way, they can’t install apps without your knowledge, and must get your approval to do so.
You should research apps yourself to decide whether they’re appropriate. You should also talk to your child and make it clear they must never give out personal details such as their name, address or school until you’ve given them permission.
At what age should I give my child a phone?
Unfortunately, the answer is not simple, as there’s no perfect age to give your child a phone. It really depends on their needs and maturity.
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Children may want a phone simply because it’s trendy, but not necessarily need one for practical reasons. However, phones can be useful when children are allowed independent outings, attend after-school activities or participate in sports teams.
Many schools don’t allow phones, as younger children might not be mature enough to handle the risks. A basic phone for emergencies might be an option for some kids, but usually only around the time they become a teenager.
That’s a common time for kids to get their first phone – around 12 or 13. But even then, you need to establish ground rules and set up parental controls to help manage their screen time and online safety.
Which type of phone is best for a child?
Again, it’s really depends on kid’s needs and maturity. A basic phone might be enough for communication, at least initially.
Basic phones have several advantages. First, the lower cost means less worry about loss or breakage. Second, with no internet access, there’s no exposure to unsafe apps or unsupervised web browsing. Finally, a basic phone is less attractive to thieves than most smartphones.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
However, any phone can be a safety benefit. A phone can be a lifeline for your child or someone nearby in an emergency. If you choose a smartphone, consider opting for one with GPS. These days, pretty much all of the budget phones and mid-range phones have it.
You can then use this, along with one of the best parental control apps, to track your child’s location and ensure their safety when they’re out and about.
Ultimately, no matter the phone type, set clear ground rules for phone and internet use with your child.
Be transparent about any monitoring, location tracking, or parental control software you might be using. Open communication and clear expectations are key to raising a responsible future adult.
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