Parental controls on child's first mobile phone

[Beachdays44]

Hi. Can anyone recommend what apps I might use for parental controls on my daughter's phone?

I just bought her a new phone today and will be giving it as a Christmas present. I would like to have the phone set up before she gets it.

Ideally I would like to have a timer on her phone so it turns on and off at particular times. And she could earn extra time from me so I can change it easily. And if she wants to download any apps that I must give permission first (through my phone). I believe Vodafone have a 'Family Link' that enables all this kind of thing. But I have a Tesco Mobile so I'm hoping there are some general apps that I could use?

She is my eldest and this is all new to me!

Any advice or recommendations? Thanks.

What kind of phone is it? If it's an iPhone and you have one too it's quite easy to set up. I don't know how android phones work so can't help there I'm afraid!

Kidslox does everything you described, I believe. I think there’s a monthly fee, but I seem to remember it being nominal.

Google family link lets you do all that op.

Parental control to me is safe guarding from access to wrong sites, apps or people.

Imo part of learning about having these devices is learning to be responsible and self limiting. forced cut offs teaches nothing except a yearing for more time, waiting for the next slot, and will breed resentment. Is that really what you want to give for Christmas? If they need timed cutoffs they are too young for a phone, if they are old enough for a phone they are old enough to start learning about boundaries around it.

Much better to put in place rules such as phone must be charged downstairs overnight, never at the dinner table, put away when having a conversation etc and encourage enjoyment other activities.