Let's face it, folks - we're all glued to our phones these days, and our kids are no exception. But, finding the best phone for your kid in 2024 can be a real head-scratcher.
Whether you're a helicopter parent or more of a free-range chicken, you want to make sure your little ones are safe, connected, and not racking up a bill that'll make you spill your coffee.
The Great Kids Phone Dilemma of 2024
So, you're on the hunt for the best phone for kids in 2024? Welcome to the club! It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the needle is constantly updating its OS and the haystack is on fire. But don't worry, we've got your back.
1. Safety First, Because Duh
When it comes to picking the best phone for kids in 2024, safety isn't just a feature - it's the whole shebang. As a parent, you'd want a phone that's Fort Knox for kids, keeping out the creeps and the inappropriate stuff. Look for phones with parental controls tighter than your grandma's Tupperware lids.
2. Functionality: More Than Just Angry Birds
Nextly, your kid's new toy needs to do more than just play games (though let's be real, that's a big part of it). You want something that can handle schoolwork, video calls with grandpa, and maybe even teach them a thing or two. Educational apps are the vegetables of the phone world - not always fun, but good for them. Keeps them busy, so, even better for you.
3. Cost: Because Uni Isn't Getting Cheaper
Let's talk money, honey. The best phone for your kid doesn't have to cost an arm, a leg, and your firstborn. There are plenty of options that won't have you eating ramen for a month. Plus, have you heard of this magical place called Reboxed? It's like a fountain of youth for phones - and your wallet (and yes, we do cheekily promote ourselves sometimes).
Understanding Your Child's Needs
When choosing the best phones for 10-year-olds or smartphones for tweens, it's important to understand their specific needs. Here's a quick breakdown to guide you:
Age-Specific Requirements for Phones
- Young Children (6-9 years): Prioritise basic phones with limited functionalities. These devices should focus on essential communication features like calling and texting.
- Tweens (10-12 years): Opt for smartphones with parental controls. Look for models that offer educational apps and moderate entertainment options.
- Teens (13+ years): Consider more advanced smartphones that support a wider range of apps and internet access, but ensure good parental control features are in place.
Purpose of a Phone: Communication vs. Entertainment
- Communication: If the primary goal is to stay connected, basic phones or entry-level smartphones suffice. These devices allow your child to call or text family members easily.
- Entertainment: For children who will use their phone for games, videos, and social media, choose smartphones that can handle these demands while offering screen time management tools.
The Role of Parental Guidance in Phone Usage
Your kids will hate it but parental guidance is a good practice in managing how your child uses their phone. We recommend establishing clear rules about:
- Screen Time: Set limits on daily usage to prevent excessive screen time.
- Content Access: Utilise parental control apps to monitor and restrict inappropriate content.
- Online Safety: Educate your child about internet safety, including not sharing personal information and recognising online threats.
Understanding these factors ensures you select a device tailored to your child's needs while keeping their safety and development in mind.
Types of Phones Available in 2024
When choosing a phone for your child, it's essential to understand the types available.
1. Basic Phones
These are ideal for younger children or those needing a distraction-free option. Examples are phones like Nokia 3310 and 8210.
2. Smartphones
For older kids or teenagers who need more advanced features, smartphones provide a good balance between communication and entertainment. Examples are phones like Samsung A54, iPhone 14 Pro max etc..
Choosing between basic phones and smartphones depends on your kid's age, maturity level, and other specific needs.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Phone for Your Child
When picking the right phone for your child, it’s all about finding the right mix of safety, functionality, and durability. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know what’s best. That’s why it’s critical to focus on the features that truly matter, ensuring you make the smart choice.
Parental Controls
Built-in parental controls are essential. The Bark Phone for example stands out with its inbuilt monitoring capabilities. It allows parents to supervise their child’s online activities, set screen time limits, and block inappropriate content. Apps such as Google Family Link and Apple Screen Time can also do the same, enabling you to manage apps, monitor usage, and set bedtime restrictions.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount. Location tracking apps like Find My iPhone help you keep tabs on your child's whereabouts in real-time. Devices like the AirTag can be attached to their belongings for added peace of mind. These tools ensure that you always know where your child is, enhancing their safety.
Durability
Kids can be rough on their gadgets. Phones with water resistance and solid build quality can withstand accidental drops and spills. Models such as the Samsung Galaxy A54 or the Google Pixel 8, known for its sturdy design, are excellent choices. Investing in durable phones reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Prioritising these features will make sure you're picking a phone that aligns with your child's needs while giving you peace of mind.
Top 10 Phones for Kids in 2024
When it comes to shopping the best kid-friendly phones, Reboxed offers a solid lineup that balances affordability, functionality, and sustainability. Here are the top 10 phones from Reboxed’s catalog:
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Highlights: Compact design, powerful A15 Bionic chip, and excellent camera.
- Key features: Touch ID for security, parental controls through Screen Time, water resistance.
- Highlights: Great value with 5G capability, excellent camera and long battery life.
- Key features: Knox Security for data protection, Samsung Kids mode for safe browsing.
- Highlights: Supercharged with AI, clean Android experience with regular updates, advanced camera features.
- Key features: Google Family Link for parental controls, Titan M security chip.
- Highlights: Best budget-friendly option for teens. Exceptional battery life and excellent camera.
- Key features: Knox Security for data protection, Samsung Kids mode for safe browsing.
5. Nokia 3310
- Highlights: Simple and distraction-free; perfect for younger kids.
- Key features: Long battery life, robust build quality.
- Highlights: Large display, Good camera, Face ID security.
- Key features: One of the most affordable options among iPhones, good parental controls via Screen Time.
7. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
- Highlights: Best for teens. Excellent top-tier phone with great performance and camera setup.
- Key features: Secure Folder for privacy, Samsung Kids mode for safe exploration.
- Highlights: Excellent AI capabilities and camera performance.
- Key features: Regular software updates, Family Link for monitoring usage.
- Highlights: Budget-friendly phone without compromising features. Suitable for early teens or an excellent all-round first smartphone.
- Key features: Compact, Powerful, Good Camera.
10. Nokia 8210
- Highlights: Retro design with modern connectivity options.
- Key features: Easy-to-use interface, durable build.
These phones provide a range of options to suit different needs and budgets while ensuring safety and control over your child’s phone usage.
Addressing Common Parental Concerns When Buying a Phone for Your Child
Handing your kid a smartphone is like giving them the keys to a digital Ferrari. Sure, it's flashy and fun, but it also comes with a side of parental panic. When you're searching for the best phone for your kids, you're not just looking at specs - you're trying to find a balance between "cool parent" and "helicopter hoverer."
Tracking Kids' Location with Phones
Keeping tabs on your child's whereabouts is important. Many phones come with built-in GPS tracking features:
- Find My iPhone: A robust option for Apple users to locate devices.
- Google's Find My Device: Equally effective for Android phones.
These tools provide peace of mind without being overly invasive (in their words, creepy).
Understand Parental Control Options for Kids' Phones
Some of the phones mentioned on our list above come with more controls than a nuclear power plant.
Parental controls are essential for ensuring kids use their phones responsibly:
- Screen Time Management: Limits app usage and overall phone activity. Because "just five more minutes" is the biggest lie in parenting.
- Content Filters: Block access to unsuitable websites and apps. Keeping the internet PG, because some things can't be unseen.
- Monitoring Tools: Apps like Find My iPhone offer monitoring capabilities, alerting you to potential issues.
Join The Reboxed Revolution: Save Your Pocket & Our Planet, One Phone at a Time.
Choosing the right phone for your child is essential. It's not just about picking the latest model but finding one that suits their age, usage needs, and your budget. Whether it's basic phones for distraction-free communication or smartphones with advanced parental controls, the right choice balances functionality, safety, and cost.
Reboxed stands out with its commitment to excellent quality phones that work like new and are more sustainable and affordable than buying new. By opting to go for refurbished tech, you contribute to reducing e-waste and save valuable resources. Each purchase from Reboxed supports eco-friendly practices (we plant 5 trees per device sold) while providing high-quality tech at lower prices than retail.
We hope you found this guide helpful. Ready to make a smart choice? Use the discount code NEWPARENT when purchasing from Reboxed to save £10 at checkout on your kid's phone over £150. Make an eco-conscious decision today that's better for your pocket and our planet.
