Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Smartphone for kids

30 replies

Sux2buthen · 01/10/2025 16:48

My son is turning 11 and I’m getting him prepared for some independence as much as I’d rather not!
I’m looking for advice for a decent but not top of the range smartphone that I can sort parental controls out on relatively easily. Not a pinwheel as it’s too expensive or an iPhone; same reason.
He’s very sensible and not one to try and get through controls. I’m not doing a brick phone because he’s the last if his friends to get one and I know I can trust him.
Any experienced recommendations would be welcome please!

OP posts:
yoshiblue · 01/10/2025 22:12

We bought an Android based Motorola and use Google Family Link to control access/app downloads. He also has a Chromebook so Family Link works across that too.

Biggest thing for me is zero social media or What’s App for now. I’ll revisit this in time, but there is just no need under 13.

Needspaceforlego · 01/10/2025 22:16

BeachLife2 · 01/10/2025 21:57

Who do they need a 60” 4K TV when a black and white one would do?

Show quote history

Daft answer to a daft question.
Because a black n white telly 📺 is square ⬛️ and only takes analogue signals.
Telly 🖥 has changed shape more rectangular than square and runs of digital signals.

How do kids access music 🎶 🎵 without a phone ??

Someone else asked the question on another thread and the answer was a phone without a Sim.

Show today's kids a cassette 📼 and they'll ask how do you put it in the machine. I was asked recently why does the 'save' button 💾 look like that 🤔 😳 makes me feel old I remember them being new and modern. Now they are ancient history.

Likaom · 03/10/2025 00:48

“Off you piss” says it all. You’re not even feeling remotely accountable about what our children are seeing online. When you were 10 years old, did you see a beheading or snuff movie? I haven’t seen that, yet! But there’s a big chance your child WILL do. So let’s please work together and stop smartphones for kids

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families
BeachLife2 · 03/10/2025 11:48

Likaom · 03/10/2025 00:48

“Off you piss” says it all. You’re not even feeling remotely accountable about what our children are seeing online. When you were 10 years old, did you see a beheading or snuff movie? I haven’t seen that, yet! But there’s a big chance your child WILL do. So let’s please work together and stop smartphones for kids

It’s very clear to me you don’t live in the real world. You can argue till you’re blue in the face that we should turn the clock back to 2005, but that isn’t going to happen.

Those of us with critical thinking skills who can look beyond the mantras pushed by the anti-technology cult would far rather give our DC the support and tools to use phones in a safe and responsible way.

Original poster
Sux2buthen · 04/10/2025 10:55

Likaom · 03/10/2025 00:48

“Off you piss” says it all. You’re not even feeling remotely accountable about what our children are seeing online. When you were 10 years old, did you see a beheading or snuff movie? I haven’t seen that, yet! But there’s a big chance your child WILL do. So let’s please work together and stop smartphones for kids

Off you piss to you as well my dear.
This thread isn’t ’what do you think of smartphones’ so if you’re confused and want answers I suggest you start your own.
Thankyou to genuine posters for replies

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page