Decide which type of phone to buy – and then talk to your child about online safety and security
From getting the right handset and trying to make sure children are safe online from scammers to ensuring they don’t lose it, there is a lot for parents to bear in mind when giving a child their first phone.
After you make the decision to get your child a mobile, first up is deciding what type of phone they should have and how much you are willing to spend.
For a first smartphone, budget Android devices start at less than £100 and often have solid batteries and good screens. The HMD Pulse is available online for about £70, while Motorola’s Moto G34 is £130.
Apple iPhones are a much more expensive option, with handsets from the official store starting at £599 for a new iPhone 16e. There are many more offers available online, with the 2022 iPhone SE (at Laptops Direct for £299) a good starting point.
