A Parent’s Comprehensive Guide to Smartphones for Children

Many parents nowadays cannot imagine a world in which children need smartphones to get by; yet, between school, work, and coordinating pick-ups and drop-offs, more parents are opting to buy smartphones for children. If you’re considering taking the plunge and buying a smartphone for your child, continue reading to find answers to common questions asked by parents like you!

Common Questions Asked by Parents Buying Smartphones for Children

Are you weighing the pros and cons of buying a cell phone for your young child or tween? CPR Cell Phone Repair is here to offer advice on when to buy a device, which device to buy, and how to monitor a child’s smartphone activity.

At what age should I buy my child a smartphone?

The average age for an American child to get his or her first cell phone is 10.3 years old. That being said, no two children are the same, and there’s no “right age” to buy your child a device. Consider your child’s maturity level and ask yourself the following questions to help come to a decision.

• Does my child need to keep in touch with me for safety reasons or to coordinate pick-ups and drop-offs?
• Will my child follow limitations on minutes, screen time, and data usage?
• Is my child responsible enough to keep track of and care for a device?
• Does my child understand how to use a device responsibly?
• Will the device be a distraction for my child in-class and in social scenarios?

Which smartphone should I buy my child?

Selecting the best phone for your child can prove to be a challenging task. The key is finding a device that offers the latest technology and parental controls without breaking the bank. While you can certainly opt for a new phone for your child, remember that it’s bound to be dropped and cracked frequently. Instead of spending a small fortune on a new device, browse budget-friendly phones like the Apple iPhone XR, Samsung Galaxy S10e, or Google Pixel 3a.

Another popular option is the iPod Touch. The iPod Touch is technically an MP3 player, but it comes equipped with all of the features your child wants including iOS messaging, FaceTime, impressive storage, a 4-inch display, and long battery life. And the best part about the iPod Touch is that it’s inexpensive and allows you to forgo monthly cellular service fees.

As an alternative to a new cell phone, you might consider repurposing your old smartphone as a device for your child or buying a certified pre-owned device. Many retailers, like CPR Cell Phone Repair, sell like-new phones for a fraction of the price of a new device.

How can I protect my children on their smartphones?

When it comes to buying smartphones for children, most parents’ primary concerns are related to safety. To effectively protect your children on their devices, have a serious talk about cybersecurity, cyberbullying, and responsible cell phone usage. Make sure that they understand the permanence of online activity, and how poor choices can negatively impact them down the road. Also, consider setting parental controls on their devices.

Parental controls offer an easy way for you to block explicit content, set website restrictions, block specific apps, and lock “Find My Friends” so that your kid can’t stop sharing his or her location.

Should I monitor my child’s smartphone usage?

Going back to the issue of maturity, if you worry that your child isn’t responsible enough to manage a mobile phone, it can be tempting to spy on their texting conversations, social media, and photos. While you know better than anyone how to protect your child, it’s usually best to avoid spying and instead, encourage an environment of open communication. If your child feels comfortable enough to come forward with mistakes made online or cyberbullying threats, you’ll feel less inclined to monitor his or her smartphone usage.

To learn more about buying smartphones for children, and for advice setting up parental controls, contact the technology professionals at CPR Cell Phone Repair. Our stores carry a wide variety of certified pre-owned smartphones that may be perfect for your child. All phones in our stores are inspected, refurbished, and warrantied so you can rest assured that you’re getting a fantastic gadget, without the hefty price tag. Visit your nearest CPR Cell Phone Repair store today to browse available devices!