Mobile phones, nowadays, are such an essential part of everyone’s lives. We use them for everything, from shopping to note keeping, internet researching and TV watching. We do so much with our phones that their primary purpose, to keep us connected, can sometimes be forgotten!

Does My Child Need a Smartphone?

Smartphones are great for keeping children connected with family and friends, which can help them stay safe when out and about. However, we’re all acutely aware of the risks children face when connected online, and many of us are looking to reduce the amount of screen time young minds get as much as possible. Therefore, a delicate balance needs to be struck when it comes to giving your child their first proper mobile at the right time in their development.

Ultimately, there’s no perfect time to give your child their first smartphone – a lot of it is down to circumstance. Here, we look at some of the factors to consider when thinking about giving your youngest a smartphone so that you can make the best choice.

The Advantages of Children Having a Smartphone

First of all, let’s consider some of the biggest reasons why your child could benefit from owning a smartphone.

Connecting With Friends

As our world becomes more digital, more of our conversations are happening remotely through social media, messenger applications, video gaming and other portals. It’s the same for children, and many of them will want to connect with their friends from school when they get home.

Smartphones are a useful portal for connecting with the world. There are many apps that allow children to message each other in a safe way over the internet.

Keeping in Touch

If your child has to travel by themselves for whatever reason, be it catching the bus to school or an after-school class, then you may want to keep in touch to make sure they’ve arrived safely. Having a smartphone gives you more ways of doing this, from texting and messenger apps to location trackers.

Personal Responsibility

There’s something to be said about the level of responsibility required for a child to look after and use a smartphone properly. A smartphone can be a good way of teaching these essential values, but it’s important that this lesson isn’t taught before they’re ready.

Understanding Want Vs Need

This point is arguably the most important to consider in this debate. In this modern age, it’s not uncommon for children as young as 10 or 11 to have smartphones. Group pressures will mean that your child will likely ask for a smartphone before you give them one because it’s something that their friends have.

However, as mentioned before, circumstances can play a more important role than age in this decision – the right time for one child may not be the right time for yours.

Having Discussions with Your Child About Technology

Here, it can be beneficial to talk with your child to understand why they want a smartphone. Having a conversation can help you decide if your child is ready for the responsibility, or if they want one because their friends own them.

At What Age Should I Give My Child a Smartphone?

In conclusion, there’s no set age at which children should own their first smartphone. Whether you should give you child a smartphone will often come down to these three points:

• Do they need a smartphone for school and after-school activities?
• Do they want a smartphone to stay connected, or simply because their friend owns one?
• Are they responsible enough to know and avoid the dangers of being connected?

Various studies point to ages from 10 to 13 as being when children own smartphones in the modern era. However, other studies say this is too early, and a smartphone shouldn’t be considered until the mid and late teens.

What to Consider for My Child’s First Smartphone

If you are looking to buy a smartphone for your child, it is likely they won’t be using the same device as you. Here are some things you should consider.

Price

You don’t want to spend loads of money on the latest device, only for them to damage or lose it within weeks. Take the pressure off you and your child by purchasing a cheaper, second-hand model that won’t cause the end of the world if it breaks. Our reconditioned phones are great for owning your first smartphone.

Parental Controls

The majority of smartphone devices will either come with some parental controls equipped or allow you to install parental control apps. Take advantage of these to monitor not only the phone’s location but also things such as screen time and exposure to potentially harmful content.

Durability

As mentioned above, it’s likely that your child will accidentally drop the device at some point. Therefore, consider a phone’s durability. Alternatively, you can buy a phone case and screen protector to ensure the smartphone can handle everyday bumps and backpack scrapes.

Giving your child their first smartphone is not a decision you should take lightly. However, with the wide range of devices out there and various parental controls available, your child can enjoy being connected safely and sensibly!

Here at Second-Hand Phones, we have mobile devices for the whole family. Why not check out our range, including devices from every major brand, perfect for finding a great phone at an unbeatable price?