Nowadays it’s almost impossible to imagine life without smartphones. Children are getting their first cell phones at younger ages. Some parents might not sure about whether they should give smartphone to their child in early ages or not, while other parents thinks that it’s a way to stay connected with them.
If you’re thinkling to get a cell phone for kids, especially for your elementary schoolers, so it’s very importnat to choose the phone carefully. Don’t worry if you’re looking for help, we’ll also cover how parents can find a safe phone for kids and teens and which options might be best for younger children.
Why Do Kids Need Phones?
There are many reasons why parents might want to give their child a phone. Here are some common reasons:
- Safety: A phone can help parents stay in touch with their children. In case of an emergency, a child can also call for help or let parents know where they are.
- Communication: Phones for kids can make it easier to contact their parents, teachers, or friends.
- Learning Tool: Some educational apps can be used on smartphones to help with schoolwork or learning new skills.
- Entertainment: Kids can play games, listen to music, or watch videos when they have free time.
What to Look for in a Phone for Kids?
When you want to choose a safe phone for kids, there are some features that you must keep in your mind which are:
Parental Controls
Children are still in a phase in which they want to learn how to use technology responsibly. So the phones which have built-in parental controls features, help parents to monitor and control what their kids can do on the phone. In this parents can limit their screen time, block inappropriate websites, and manage app downloads. This way, parents can make sure that their kids are using phone very safely.
Simplicity
Phones for kids don’t need all the fancy features that adult phones have. So simple phones with limited apps and basic calling or texting features are often the best choice for elementry schoolers.
Durability
Kids often drop and accidently damage items because they might not be as careful with their belongings as adults are. So look for a that type of phone which is durable and have strong protective cases available for it.
Battery Life
Because kids might forget to charge their phone regularly, so it’s important to pick a phone which has a good battery life. This way the phone won’t die when they need it the most, especially for emergencies.
Affordability
Since children may lose or damage their phones, many parents prefer to buy affordable models. There are plenty of budget-friendly phones for kids that work well without the high cost of adult smartphones.
Limited Internet Access
Not all phones for kids need internet access, which can be especially useful for elementary school kids. The phones that allows only calling and texting feature, it might be the best option for you kid. But if an internet is necessry, so you have to make sure, the phone has some strong filters and tool through which parents can monitor to keep their child safe online.
Best Types of Phones for Elementary Schoolers
There are many options available when you plan to choose a phone for kids. It all depend on your kid’s age and maturity level. The phones can differe from basic models to more advanced models. Here are some of the most common types of phone for kids.
1. Basic Phones
A basic cell phone is a good choice for younger children because you can only do calls and send text from these type of phones This feature makes them easy to use. They are often less expensive and more durable than expensive smartphones. Because there are no internet features so that parents can feel more secure because their kids can’t access inappropriate content due unavailability of internet.
Some of the basic phones examples are:
- Nokia 3310: This phone is famous for its long-lasting battery and durability. It has basic features like calling and texting, and you can use it in a rogh way as well.
- Alcatel Go Flip: A flip phone that is easy to use and comes with basic calling and texting feature. It has also a small camera. Due to these limited features, it becomes one of the best and affordable choices for elementary schoolers.
2. Smartphones with Parental Controls
For older elementary schoolers or teens, a smartphone might be a better choice. But it’s important to choose one that has strong parental controls. Because kids can easily access the internet through these smartphones. Soparents must get the one which has strong patrental control features so that parents can use those features to limit the content based on their kid’s maturity level.
Some good options are:
- Apple iPhone SE: This is a more affordable version of the iPhone that still offers all the parental control features that parents need. You can manage this phone by using the “Screen Time” feature. This feature allows parents to set limits on apps and usage.
- Samsung Galaxy A12: This is another budget-friendly smartphone that offers parental control features through apps like Google Family Link. It allows parents to track phone usage and limit screen time.
3. Kid-Friendly Phones
There are also phones that are specifically designed for kids. These phones often come with built-in safety features and are easy for parents to manage. They provide basic calling, texting, and sometimes even GPS tracking features.
Some of them are:
- Gabb Wireless Phone: This phone is designed for kids and doesn’t have access to the internet or app stores. Kids can only make calls, send texts, and can use a few safe apps like a calculator or calendar. So this makes it a safe phone for kids without any worries.
- Relay Kids Phone: This phone is not a traditional smartphone but works as a walkie-talkie. It’s perfect for younger kids who need to stay in touch with their parents but don’t need a full smartphone. It also comes with GPS tracking.
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When to Upgrade to a Smartphone?
Many parents are not sure about when their child should move from a basic phone to a smartphone. While there isn’t a perfect age for upgrading a phone, but here are some signs through which you can analyze that your child might be ready:
- Responsibility: If your child takes good care of their things and follows rules, they might be ready for a smartphone.
- Need for Internet: Older kids might need internet access for schoolwork or to stay in touch with friends.
- Maturity: If your child understands the importance of internet safety and can use apps responsibly, they may be ready for more advanced technology.
