Child's first phone

[Allnewtometoo]

I want to get DS a phone, he'd like one for his birthday (9) and as he has started going out on his bike, playing out etc, I'd like it to keep in touch.

He also has a hobby that he likes to video himself doing, and share with friends

With that in mind, I do want to get him a smart phone, but not an expensive one, and one which I can have restrictions on.

Can anyone recommend such a phone?

Are you an android or apple family? Much easier if you are on the same os imo.

I'd get him something very cheap from CEX. My daughters didn't have phones at that age they had reconditioned iPod touches with no sim.

If you go for a pay monthly sim make sure you put a zero spend cap on with a no purchase pass and a charge to account bar. He could buy games and you could end up with a massive bill.

Android. I'm generally anti phone for kids, but it would def make me feel better knowing I can contact him when he's out on his bike, or he can contact me.

I'm still on the fence tbh with getting a basic text/talk one.

I feel like there's a gap in the market for a younger child safe phone.

How about a smart watch instead - something like a Spacetalk? It has a location tracker and can call / text. It can take videos but I'm not sure about sharing them.

Can you get him a digital camera and a non smart phone?

Good options, thank you. I'll look into the watch idea.

My son has a watch with phone and GPS function, stays strapped on so harder to lose/drop/break/steal, is totally locked down to contacts unless I approve them through the app, has a location tracker so can see all movements and has a panic alarm that will call you (and any other adults you pre-programme) until someone answers. Also can set up a safe zone and it will tell you if he leaves the zone. Best thing I ever bought, just make sure the SIM you get has the best mobile coverage for the area he'll most use it in.

@Sunsparkles this sounds brilliant, what watch is it?

Ha, would have been helpful if I'd put that in my message 🤦 It's the Explora Xgo2. I think there's a 3 now. Not sure of the difference so do check reviews yourself. It's not perfect of course, but it gives me peace of mind, especially as I'm choosing not to allow my child to have a phone until about 12yrs.

@Sunsparkles I've just been looking at these, do you do PAYG ? How does the GPS work if they are out (and not linked to home WiFi?).

I really like this idea

Yeah, I have a gift gaff PAYG. GPS works off the mobile signal in the same way as google maps does I think - I'm not all that tech savvy lol. Just make sure your SIM has unlimited data.

Thank you!