There is no legal age at which you can buy a phone for your child, unlike driving a car. You bear the costs, but a child can hold a phone in their hands at any age.
However, choosing which phone is best for kids and its cost isn’t really the main issue for parents. And getting a good SIM subscription for children is not that big of a problem either.
Instead, the main issue is timing. At what age is a child ready for their own telephone, and does this have to be a basic telephone? If so, when will they be ready for a smartphone?
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child, here’s what you need to know.
What are the risks of a phone for a child?
Although we discuss how to keep kids safe online and the dangers of the internet in a separate article, here are some of the biggest ones.
First, children can be exposed to inappropriate content online, such as violence or pornography. They may also be targeted by cyberbullies or online predators.
Children can also easily get sucked into games, social media and videos. This can lead to sleep problems, attention span and both mental and physical health.
Too much screen time can hinder real-world interactions with friends and family. In addition, looking at screens for too long can cause eye strain and headaches.
There is also some concern about the long-term effects of cell phone radiation on health. Although almost every adult and most older children carry a phone with them every day, you should be careful not to expose young children to potential risks.
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You can mitigate some of the risks by making sure your child doesn’t know the password for the phone’s app store. This way they cannot install apps without your knowledge and they must get your permission to do so.
You will need to research apps yourself to decide if they are suitable. Also talk to your child and make it clear that he or she should never reveal personal information such as name, address or school until you have given permission.
At what age should I give my child a phone?
Unfortunately, the answer is not simple, as there is no perfect age to give your child a phone. It really depends on their needs and maturity.
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Kids may want a phone because it’s trendy, but don’t necessarily need one for practical reasons. However, phones can be useful if children are allowed to go on outings independently, attend after-school activities or participate in sports teams.
Many schools do not allow phones because younger children may not be mature enough to handle the risks. A basic emergency phone may be an option for some children, but usually not until they become teenagers.
That’s a normal time for children to get their first phone – around the age of 12 or 13. But even then, you need to set ground rules and parental controls to help manage their screen time and online safety.
What type of phone is best for a child?
Again, it really depends on the child’s needs and maturity. A simple telephone may be sufficient for communication, at least initially.
Basic phones have several advantages. First, the lower cost means you don’t have to worry as much about loss or breakage. Secondly, without internet access, there is no exposure to unsafe apps or unattended internet browsing. Finally, a basic phone is less attractive to thieves than most smartphones.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
However, any phone can be a safety asset. A telephone can be a lifeline for your child or someone nearby in an emergency. If you choose a smartphone, consider choosing one with GPS. Nowadays, almost all budget 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 his safety when he’s out and about.
Finally, regardless of the type of phone, set clear ground rules for phone and internet use with your child.
Be transparent about any monitoring, location tracking or parental control software you use. Open communication and clear expectations are key to raising a responsible future adult.
