Recently, Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions ran a survey that showed the median age for a child to receive their first basic cell phone is age 11, while the age for a smartphone is age 13. There are a ton of great benefits to getting a child a cellphone. It helps parents stay connected to their kids and aware of where they are, and it helps foster independence. But cell phones are, of course, a huge responsibility, so here are some tips from the tech experts to help ease you and your child into their first phone.
Before You Buy
Before you decide whether to get your child their first smartphone or not, there are some key points to consider first:
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How responsible is your child? Will they follow the rules and guidelines you set for them?
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Do they take care of their other tech, like tablets or school computers?
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Do your kids need a way to stay in touch with you for safety reasons?
Kid-Friendly Smartphones
Just like you wouldn’t get your teen a luxury sports car the day they turn 16, you may not want to get your child the most expensive smartphone starting out. It may makes sense to refresh an old or broken device you have lying around for a less expensive, introductory device for your child. And, apps like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link can help you set up parental controls and restrict Internet access.
What if my child isn’t ready?
Getting your child a smartphone is a big step, and it’s okay if neither of you are ready yet. There are smartwatches designed specifically with kids in mind, giving them independence while also keeping them safe. You can set GPS boundaries that notify you when your child exceeds them (our favorite is Life360), allow two-way voice calling and messaging for up to 10 trusted contacts, and set schedule reminders for them. Some devices also count steps like a regular fitness tracker and are tough and waterproof, so they are made to keep up with kids.
Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions fixes nearly anything with a power button and can provide you with support as you consider and set up these devices. They are also available when, inevitably, a device gets broken. To find a store near you, visit www.asurion.com.
