As phones have become such an integral part of our lives, whether they are used for staying connected or entertainment, many parents are opting to focus on how to teach their child to stay safe on mobile devices rather than banning them.

When looking for your 10-year-old’s first phone, it is not necessary to break the bank on the latest release! One great way to introduce them to the wondrous world of mobile devices is to choose from a range of 2nd hand phones.

Phones With Limited Functions

For a ten-year-old, you may be worried about the unsupervised time they spend online. A smartphone can be right for some, but for others, choosing a phone with the basics is more appropriate.

A phone that only facilitates calls and texts can be useful for keeping your child connected while limiting their internet and social media access.

If you want to hold off on buying your child a smartphone for a couple of years, there are some great basic options to ensure they can contact you in emergencies.

Something like the Nokia 105 v5 is a great choice; it is sturdy, has a great battery life and very limited functions. If you’re looking for a phone that only does the bare essentials, this is one to consider.

First Smartphones

Some studies have suggested that between 10 and 13 is around the age that children can start using smartphones with appropriate restrictions.

If you are confident that your child is ready for a smartphone, there are plenty of options to ease them into using a personal smart device.

Samsung Galaxy J3

A primary concern when buying your child a smartphone can be whether they are able to take care of it. Children are not exactly known for keeping things in pristine condition; this is why cheaper, second-hand options can be preferable!

The Samsung Galaxy J3 can make a great choice for children because it is robust and water-resistant; this one is made to last! It has a front and rear camera to satisfy budding photographers and the phone itself comes in a range of colours.

The Kids Mode App is available with any Samsung Galaxy phone and can help you ensure your child is using their phone safely. This app will allow you to stop your child from accessing harmful sites and can enable you to set up screen-time limits.

This is a great starter phone to get your child used to smartphones before they are old enough for more advanced models.

Nokia 6

This is another fantastic option for a first smartphone. With the sleek, modern look we’ve come to expect, the Nokia 6 is also built to last. Screen quality is not compromised for durability, which makes it an excellent device to start your child on if you are looking for a phone that can entertain and survive.

The fingerprint scanner offers extra security that will ensure only you and your child has access. Parental controls are easily accessible, and there are plenty of third-party apps that can be installed to allow you to place restrictions or monitor activity.

The Nokia 3 is an even more affordable option and can do most of what its aforementioned predecessor achieves.

iPhone SE

If you are willing to get your child an iPhone, this is the one to go for!

It is much cheaper than any other recent iPhone model, especially when bought second-hand. The SE also has a slightly more robust design, although it is not indestructible. Luckily, the market is full of protective cases that will do a better job of protecting it from any mishaps.

Like with most other smartphones, Apple facilitates age-based restrictions to ensure your child is not downloading anything they shouldn’t be. You can also restrict screen-time through the settings.

It can be exciting for you and your child when they get their first phone. There are so many affordable options that can keep your child safe, happy and entertained.

If you are interested in second-hand phones for the whole family, why not browse our range of devices?