Read MNers feedback on the Monqi Smartphone - £300 voucher to be won for feedback! NOW CLOSED

[EllieMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 20 Mumsnetters who have been testing the new Monqi Android smartphone, specifically developed for children.

Monqi is a brand new mobile phone for kids which will launch on October 1st on Pay As You Go and on a monthly contract.

Here’s what Monqi had to say: “When should I buy my child a mobile phone? How do I keep them safe online? What about the costs? And what games are appropriate? Monqi is the revolutionary new mobile for kids which addresses parental concerns while giving children a phone they want. Monqi, Stay Close.”

Testers, please answer the following questions:

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?
2. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?
3. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:
a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content
b) Cyber Bullying
c) Game usage
d) App downloading/spending
e) Location tracking
4. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?
5. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?
6. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

All who give their required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one tester will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard insight T&Cs apply

Looking forward to the feedback, If good will def be on top of Daughters Christmas list!

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

My dd is nine and I think that monqi would be ideal for children between 7-11.

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Set up was very easy and the few teething troubles I had making the app work were quickly ironed out using the live chat available on their website.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content

It was certainly very easy to control what was accessible to dd and so I did feel that it made the cyber environment safer.

b) Cyber Bullying

The ability to only add certain contacts and being able to see the messages sent means that this is not an issue.
c) Game usage

Loved that I can switch access on and off so easily! No arguments about time.

d) App downloading/spending

Quick and easy. She needed approval for everything so it was easy to track.

e) Location tracking

This wasn't always accurate as it gives you where they last used their phone rather than where they actually are in real time.

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I really liked the timers which could be set for different apps or for the whole phone. My dd particularly liked that it was a large screen size!

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

The app feels a bit 'clunky', not terribly intuitive to use but easy enough once you know where everything is.

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

Yes. I think it's ideal for a first smartphone. It feels robust (although we haven't tested this out too much!) and it does everything I would want her to be able to do.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?
Child who tested the phone is 8 and I think this is a good age for a Monqi phone.

2. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?
Yes, I accessed support via email.

3. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content*
The Monqi jungle (app store) only has age suitable apps and all downloads come to the parent for approval too so that is good. My only concern was that the phone automatically downloaded you tube as part of the set up, rather than you tube kids which is probably more appropriate.

b) Cyber Bullying
A parent has to approve all contacts so you know who they are talking to or messaging. The phone can also only accept calls from numbers that are listed as contacts. This is a great feature.


c) Game usage
It’s very easy to see how much time is being spent on games, and to set restrictions.


d) App downloading/spending
For app downloads the parent always has to approve it, and at the approval stage you have the option to set time limits too which is good.
We’ve had free access to a premium app store service which normally attracts a monthly fee during the trial. I’m not sure I would be that keen to pay a monthly subscription as my other child with a phone usually sticks to free or very cheap apps.


e) Location tracking

I love the location tracking, particularly the geo fences. You can set up an area on a map and then be notified when they arrive in/leave that area - say the park, or a friends house. I’ve been more likely to let him do short journeys on his own with this feature.

4. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I really liked the scheduling option on the parent app. For example, I set my son’s phone to lock 5 minutes before we leave for school. I also like being able to remotely lock his phone from my app. And as mentioned previously, I love the geo-fence location tracking.
I didn't like that messaging only happened within the parent app, even if I messaged through 'Messages' rather than through the app.

5. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

The battery life is really appalling unfortunately, even when not actively using the phone.

6. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?
Yes I would, it has some really great features.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone? I would say 8-12 , but wouldn't give my DD a phone before age 10 personally which is why it has been great to test this out. DD is 9.5 and she loved the phone

2. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App? Yes, via here and via email and phonecalls. Monqi have been very helpful in sorting issues.

3. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:
a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content
b) Cyber Bullying
c) Game usage
d) App downloading/spending
e) Location tracking

Yes, because you could control each area, so you could limit the time that your child spent on an app, you can turn apps off overnight so they can't play games endlessly. You can limit things individually so can block some things and leave others open. You have to authorise every app that is downloaded, so they can't buy things without you knowing, or download anything inappropriate. The games centre is quite good Monqi Jungle, and Monqi have listened to us testers and added things such as Skype that we have suggested.

Location tracking was great, as you could see where your child was.

4. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them? I like how easy it is to set up the phone and how simple it is for the child to call/message the parent. Both parents can be added as well which is great. The screen is a nice size too.

I didn't like the fact that text messages only come through the app and don't show up in usual text messages, as I don't want to go through the app every time to find a reply.

Also, sometimes it was hard to find where to limit app usage etc, so I think more of a guide through or a more obvious path, would be useful.

5. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what? I would allow a greater choice of apps at parents discretion, for example, musically, snapchat and things like that would be good, maybe with extra security so that if they add friends through them the parent gets notified, but I don't know if Monqi are able to do that with another app. I get the need for security though, which is Monqi's main concern.

I would like an upgrade on the camera though, I think the quality lets the phone down. Children love taking pictures, however they often seem dark and grainy.

6. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

Definitely. If you think your child is old enough to be responsible for a mobile phone, then this is ideal for them. It has enough features to keep them happy, can play music, games, messaging etc, and also has so many security features, that the parents can be happy that the phone is being used sensibly.

As long as the tariff is affordable, then I think it would be a brilliant phone. I have been really pleased to have the opportunity to test this and to continue testing, and it feels great to be working along side a company that is developing something with young children in mind. Monqi have been brilliant to work with and have really listened to us while we have been testing the phone.

ooh yes, sorry, forgot to say that battery life is appalling, I agree with the above tester. I left the phone for 24 hours unused and it just died completely. It would be great if it came with a car charger too, although phones don't generally, I think it is a must with such a bad battery life. I would charge the phone one day, go to use it the next and find it dead already even though we hadn't used it.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

He's ten years old. I think age 7-10 would be ideal, any older and they would want more access to apps and need a better battery life.

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Yes, the support was very good.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content

Not particularly - Google was not automatically set to 'safe search' so we had to switch that on ourselves.

b) Cyber Bullying

Would be if the messaging app was better, but we found it limited so switched to WhatsApp which is better but we then can't see what messages he is sending/receiving from the parent app.

c) Game usage

Yes - it was great to be able to monitor (and restrict if necessary) the amount of time spent on games.

d) App downloading/spending

Yes - being able to approve what apps he could download was a really useful feature.

e) Location tracking

Yes - although the location tracking feature did not work properly 100% of the time so could cause extra anxiety if you expected it to work and it didn't!

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I really like being able to view location and battery life from the parent app, and being able to approve app downloads, plus set time limits for apps and lock if necessary.

I didn't like the overly restrictive app store - there were lots and lots of apps he wanted to download but couldn't. Apple Music is a particularly key one as we have a family membership, and he really wanted Clash Of Clans and Pokemon Go. It was very hard to find options like screen brightness, recent calls, voicemails. But the main issue is the battery life - it drains almost totally in just a few hours even when not being used, which makes it highly likely he could get caught out with no battery if for example he went out with it straight from school.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

Increased battery life. Access to a far greater range of Android apps (subject to parental approval). Being able to find things like call lists, answerphone (we still haven't managed to access voicemails on the phone itself! and it would also be useful to access them from the parent app), screen brightness, more easily. Being able to see data used, storage remaining, etc.

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

It's a good idea with some nifty features, but I think it needs more development so for the money it costs I'm not sure I would recommend it just yet.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone? My child is 11. I would say the ideal age would be 7 – 10.

2.Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?
There were a few teething issues trying to set everything up but Monqi were very helpful.

3.Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regard to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content – Access to inappropriate content was restricted, but to be honest this is something you can do on smartphones anyway by limiting websites, which from my understanding this is what Monqi does. Internet security there is none, which is a concern because of viruses.

b) Cyber Bullying – I could read only what my child sent. So, the potential for cyberbullying is there. Yes, I have to approve contacts, but not all children mention bullying to their parents, and of course, some bullies befriend people.

c) Game usage – Access can easily be switched off and on. Again, like contacts everything has to be authorised from the parent app. The free games, to begin with, weren’t that extensive and to access more, there is a monthly subscription.

d) App downloading/spending – Again everything has to be authorised. Spending again nothing really special about this aspect, as a parent you make the decision to put your card details onto a child’s phone.

e) Location tracking – we tested this extensively, and it never worked. He would be out and the phone location was still at home. We went on trips far away and I set alerts for leaving the area, I never received any notification despite him being with me on his phone. Yet the phone was still at home 10 miles away.

4.Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?
I liked that I could remotely lock the phone so when he took it to school I could quickly lock it during school hours.
Didn’t like – you cannot send picture messages, you have to install something like WhatsApp, which then defeats the purpose of authorising contacts. I didn’t like that messages to me could only be seen in the app. The quality of the camera wasn’t as good as it could be, especially for the cost. Popular games that friends play with not available. No way to add playlists aside from premium services like Spotify. The battery life is abysmal. The phone isn’t as robust as it could be, the phone came with a screen protector already on, but the phone has since been dropped and the screen cracked.

5.Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?
Improve the battery life. Improve the camera. Add the ability to see Data used. Access to voicemail.

6.Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?
At the moment, no I don’t think I would. For the cost of the phone more development is needed to the features and the accessories.

Following on from previous poster, yes had forgotten that there were apps my son wanted to download, like clash of clans, that he wasn't able to. And it hadn't occurred to me that I have no idea how to track data usage on it. I'm not used to android phones though.

Forgot to add more about the apps that could be downloaded. It seemed bizarre that social media apps could be downloaded to a phone aimed at 7-12-year-olds when these apps are aimed at 13+

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?
My son is 9 years old. Personally I think it is the youngest that the phone should be aimed at. I question the 7+ age range. At that age, it would really only be used like a tablet as they will not be out on their own. I also am not sure about the 11 year olds. I have two older boys and at 11 they would have found this phone too restrictive and babyish. I think it is an ideal first phone for ages 9-10.

2. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?
Yes, the support provided was very good. I also have a very techy 16 year old who took over set up for me.

3. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:
a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content
Yes and no. There are aspects of the concept that make it safer - the parent has to approve any app that is downloaded and also any contact. However, there are some obvious loop holes. For instance, my son downloaded WhatsApp. We all use this as a way to send pictures and communicate. If he uses the inbuilt Monqi text app, I can see what he is texting but not on an app like WhatsApp. In addition, there is no way of checking his internet history. I have always checked my sons' phones periodically for safety and I can't do that on his.

b) Cyber Bullying
This is not something that even crossed my mind.

c) Game usage
Yes I can see exactly how long he plays games for and restrict them which I like

d) App downloading/spending
Yes I have to approve any app he downloads.

e) Location tracking
No. The concept is great but has not worked well for me at all. I have found that the parent app often tells me he is here at home when I know he isn't. I don't understand what the glitch is, but it is not working well. There are other apps on the market that do the same thing and seem to work better.

4. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?
The lack of access to google play has been a huge issue. It means many apps are unavailable, and some apps that are available are unusable as they need google play to update. My understanding is that this is an issue that Monqi are going to address in future. For me, if this is not addressed, I would not recommend this phone to anyone else.

5. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?
As above, it all revolves around the lack of access to google play for me.

6. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?
Yes and no. I think the concept is very good. I think there are a number of problems with it which the company have been excellent at listening to feedback from us and addressing bit by bit. If they can work through them all, and particularly the google play issues, then yes I would recommend it to others.

How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone? 10. Ideal age 9-12.

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App? Yes support was amazing.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content- Yes it's a very secure phone to have as it needs parent permission.

b) Cyber Bullying- not something we have encountered.

c) Game usage- great I can see what he is playing and can put time restrictions on it!

d) App downloading/spending- all has to be approved via parent app.

e) Location tracking- as others have found it doesn't appear to be wholly accurate. Saying he was one place when we knew he was another.

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them? I don't like the fact that when he wants to add a new contact that we have to approve it via parent app. It seems slightly over the top and is annoying for my son.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what? Battery life is not good. Some of the more popular apps should be available as my son wants what his friends phones can do!

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone? Yes it's definitely a good phone in the making, it just needs some tweaking. Kids don't want to think their phone isn't a cool one, so if they can't access apps like their mates it isn't going to go down well! On the whole though the concept is good and the customer service spot on.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

My Ds is 7 so at the younger age range for the test. I think the phone is suitable for ages 7-12.

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

The App was easy to set up on both mine and DH's phone. We didn't have any issues with the setup so didn't access the support for that but Monqi were quick to answer any queries regarding the software.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content I felt comfortable letting Ds use the phone unsupervised as I could monitor any messages and contacts. Also the app approval made sure he didn't download anything inappropriate. b) Cyber Bullying Again being able to monitor contacts and message eliminated any of my worries about cyber bullying. c) Game usage I really liked the feature of setting time limits on individual apps and locking the phone from the app. Once I had explained to Ds what happened when his time ran out he accepted the restrictions. d) App downloading/spending Everything is easily monitored through the parents app. So no worries about downloading expensive Apps. e) Location tracking This is another good feature but only tracks when the child is actively using the phone so not always accurate. As Ds is only 7 we didn't use this feature much but I could imagine it being reassuring with an older child when you first allow them out on their own.

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I really liked the app management. Also locking the phone from the parent app. The phone is a good size and seems very sturdy. Ds has dropped the phone several times and no damage.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

The battery life is not great but will last most of the day.

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

This is definitely a phone I would recommend to my friends and Ds had happily told all his friends about it. Children are exposed to technology at a much younger age so having a product available that is suitable for the younger child is perfect. I'm sure this product will be on many children's Christmas list.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

DS is 10 and in P7 of primary school. I think Monqi have pitched it right with the 7-11 age bracket. He was quite happy for me to oversee all his activity, but my DD age 13 and at high school, for example, would have hit the roof!

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Yes, no real issues and very quick replies to queries.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content

Yes. We use a Sky broadband shield to protect our children at home, but it's good to know DS is protected elsewhere too.

b) Cyber Bullying

Not something we've encountered, this is DS's first ever phone. I read in a PP review that the phone only accepts calls from contacts though which I hadn't realised and I think that's a great idea.

c) Game usage

Being able to set time limits is fab.

d) App downloading/spending

My DS found the approvals process frustrating with the apps. If he wanted to download and use an app, but I wasn't immediately available to approve it, he got a bit upset.

e) Location tracking

I like to be able to track my DC so I love this feature.

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I didn't like that the text messages my DS sent me could only be accessed via the parent app. I'm concerned about missing some.

I think the geo fencing feature is great although there appears to be work to be done on the location function.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

Nothing specific. The software feels a little bit clunky but it's brand new and constantly being improved and updated. Monqi seem really responsive to feedback, which is excellent.

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

Needs further development, but yes.

Thank you Frederik and MNHQ for choosing us to try out this product. My DS was so delighted.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

My DD is age 7 and 2 months so probably the youngest tester. She embraced the opportunity and has been busy seeing what she can do with the phone - her main interest has been in playing the apps, texting me and her dad, and close friends, taking pictures of her favourite things and has been searching google maps for places to visit in the world! I would suggest the ideal age is probably 9-12, but I don't feel 7 is too young either. Kids today want to explore new technologies and my DD is no different.*

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Yes, the support has been brilliant. Much of the set up could be accomplished by using common sense. Where I have needed to ask questions or had problems, the response has been prompt and helpful each time.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content b) Cyber Bullying c) Game usage d) App downloading/spending e) Location tracking Yes, like most parents I have concerns about inappropriate content on the internet or cyber bullying and the Monqi takes away many parental fears. Being able to approve my child's phone contacts means I don't have to worry about who she is communicating with. She can safely explore her social interactions and that reassures me greatly. I also like setting limits for game/app usage so that she doesn't have too much screen time or get too obsessed about these aspects. Having final approval for app downloads or in-app spending means that each time I can discuss with my child the pros and cons, so she can learn about making good decisions. The tracking aspect will become more useful as my child becomes more independent so I haven't used this to a great extent.

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I think the schedule setting isn't so appealing at this time and seemed like a bit of a faff to set up. However, when my child is a bit older I'll probably find it more useful.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

I find the micro usb connector that slots into the phone is a bit loose and moves about, but this is a minor point as I haven't encounted a problem charging the phone. From my DD's point of view, she keeps saying she wants a new phone cover (it came with a pre-fitted screen protector and gel phone protector which was a nice touch) so some choice of personalising accessories would appeal to children using the Monqi smartphone

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

It is a really innovative product and I do think it makes a great first smartphone for kids (my DH had phone envy as the Monqi screen is bigger than his smartphone! ). I haven't been at all anxious about my DD using the phone by herself. However she does get annoyed when she uses up her 30 min YouTube daily limit which I've set! I think it's a great way to teach them how to use a smartphone responsibly, and it's reassuring for parents that the safeguards are in place until they are old enough to progress to their own choice of phone.

Huge thanks to Monqi founder, Frederik, for all his help and support so far, and also to Mumsnet for enabling us to be chosen as testers. This has been an amazing opportunity for my family!

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?
10.5. I would say this is a good sort of age. May be too restrictive for a child at secondary.

2. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?
Support has been really good and very quick.

3. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:
a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content
Yes. You have to approve anything the child downloads, so I felt confident leaving her to it.

b) Cyber Bullying
yes, but having read the other feedback perhaps this was naive.

c) Game usage
I liked that I was able to set exactly how long she could play on each app at a time, and that she didn't realise I'd set it!

d) App downloading/spending
As with usage. This was reassuring.

e) Location tracking
This worked well for us and we had no glitches. As she is of an age where she's wanting to go off on her own I felr this was one of the best features.

4. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?
I liked most of the features once we were given access to monqi jungle. Without that the apps were very limited. I really liked the control over the phone from the parent handset.

5. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what? back in the first week of testing I asked for a way of turning it off at bedtime and monqui provided it. That was my only concern.

6. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?
Yes I would for a child of primary age who has not had their own phone before. I think an older child would find it too restrictive, but for a younger child who you want to be sure is safe online it is perfect.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

He is 10. I think 8-12 is good age for the Monqi.

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Yes definitely.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content Can still access apps that aren't age suitable. And of course the dreaded YouTube.

b) Cyber Bullying
Yes I felt very happy that because of the verification process of ALL contacts this wouldn't be a problem with this phone.

c) Game usage
As stated earlier, he downloaded an app that wasn't age appropriate but I checked it and got rid.

d) App downloading/spending
All fine.

e) Location tracking
Dodgy. Constantly coming up on parent app that he is wandering out of geofenced area when phone is at home and he is at school!

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

The battery life. Awful.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

Battery!!!!!

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

Already have.

I did forget to mention, as it is aimed at children I thought the phone itself could have been colourful, rather than plain black. My daughter really liked the choice of wallpapers and set that herself within 2 minutes of opening the phone.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

He's 10. I think, had the opportunity not arisen, we'd have waited until next summer to get him a phone as I'd like him to have one for secondary school. I think 10-11 is a good age.

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Yes, the guys from Monqi were very helpful.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content I was much happier about apps but still worried about Youtube. It is so easy to get to inappropriate content on there!

b) Cyber Bullying
Being able to see and having to approve all of his contacts was a really good feature. As was seeing the messages sent between them. I did find it confusing sometimes as to whether the message was sent or received though.

c) Game usage
I liked the timing option and the need to approve all games and apps.

d) App downloading/spending
we had no problems with these. Spending still does worry me and I was very aware how much of his app time he could spend watching videos and eating through a data allowance. I'd like the option to be able to restrict videos to wi-fi.

e) Location tracking
I personally had no trouble with this but my husbands phone often lagged when it came to location so I would see him in one place while his Dad saw him in another which was occasionally confusing. I'd really like a history feature too so I could see where he'd been rather than just where he was currently. Could help if something happened or the battery died to check a likely route.

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I particularly liked having to approve apps and games. DS's friends parents seem to be a LOT more relaxed than me about a fair few games so he thought they were OK when I didn't approve. It takes out the issue of peer pressure too.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

I'd like a smaller handset. DS found it quite difficult to carry around as it often didn't fit in pockets. I've mentioned some other suggestions above.

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

I would. I think for parents nervous about getting a child a phone, it is a wonderful halfway house which is reassuring for both.

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

DD is 10 - I think that's a pretty good age to start using a smartphone, and I'd think this one was suitable from about 8-13, something like that.

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Yes - support was excellent, we had a couple of teething issues getting it set up and working, to do with the SIM card, and the Monqi jungle because I stupidly put in the wrong details and had to get it changed. Monqi were fantastic about getting it sorted - even though I sent them a message on FB rather than use the testing email we had.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content b) Cyber Bullying c) Game usage d) App downloading/spending e) Location tracking I love the fact that I can see exactly what DD has been up to on her phone, how long she's spent on each app, and can set individual limits on things like the Worms game, or Minecraft, but still allow her the phone to do other things on. Being able to approve each app before it's installed means I'm not so worried about what she's putting on it either, as I get time to check it out before saying yes or no. Location tracking was excellent when it was working - we have had a few issues with it reporting accurate information, possibly to do with whether the phone is locked or not.

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I liked the geofence, being alerted when she moved into/out of a specific area around home or school. I loved the app approval process, it was fairly seamless. I found not having access to settings on DD's phone a bit limiting, but having spoken to Monqi completely understand why they're not accessible, and assuming the level or customer support we had in the test continues to be available, would be quite happy to live without access.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

I'd like to be able to download the Monqi OS onto a phone we already own, rather than have to buy a specific phone that already has it installed. No idea if that's technically possible though! Monqi have been very responsive about altering what apps are available to the children and listening to us, and I think that's much improved over the time of the testing.

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their chi

I would - we were a bit sceptical about the product tbh, but DD has loved having it, has flourished and has gained confidence being out and about by herself over the summer holidays, and it will help when she starts making her own way home from school later in year 6 too.

Thanks for having us be part of the test!

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

1. She doesn't need a phone at this age, but it's a phone I'm happy for her to have and I feel is safe, so I'd say about 7-10/11.

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Yes. We had one issue and monqi resolved it very quickly. I was very impressed with the support from them.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content Yes. I liked that I could control what apps she had and could see what she had been using. b) Cyber Bullying Not an issue really, but you can see who has messaged and have to approve contacts, so I think it would help. c) Game usage Dd doesn't play a lot of games, but I liked that I could limit this if needed.

d) App downloading/spending
I thought it was very good that I had to approve everyhing.
e) Location tracking
Dd doesn't go out by herself yet, but when she does I will really appreciate this feature!

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I liked the approving of apps etc, but it didn't always come through to my phone straight away which was annoying.

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

I would like there to be more settings as you would get on a normal phone. We struggled to find flight mode.

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone

Absolutely

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

DD is 8 I would say the phone would be suitable for ages 8 -12

1. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

We found it very straightforward - though I did read other testers experiences on the previous thread before I set it up so benefitted from their tips.

1. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:

a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content b) Cyber Bullying c) Game usage d) App downloading/spending e) Location tracking I wouldn't say it necessarily reduced the concerns, as they are ever present, but I think the Monqui phone is a helpful way to manage them. I was keen for DD to have use of a phone when attending an activity she does at the weekend, as pick up time can change and she can let us know. I had strong concerns though around the risks of cyberbullying and being "encouraged" to access inappropriate content, other by Children (especially older DC) The Monqui phone has allowed DD to have a phone knowing she can contact us if she needs to, and can play games / music but only if I have pre-agreed it. At her age I think this is a perfect approach.

1. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them?

I can't think of any and DD agrees

1. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what?

No - and again DD agrees

1. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone?

Yes - particularly if they are in a similar position to us; when although it would be handy for their DC to have a phone at times, they don't want to expose them to negative consequences. Just to add - I wasn't too sure how much DD really needed a phone - and truthfully, it isn't an essential at her age. but I actually feel far more reassured knowing she can contact us if she wants or needs to and so I benefit from her having it. She is also too young to go out independently, so we haven't tested the location tracking feature yet, but once she does get to the age of catching the bus to school or town I'm quite sure we will be glad of it!

1. How old is the child who tested the phone? What do you think is an ideal age for a Monqi phone?

DD is 9. I think the ideal age is 8-around 11 or 12. I think a 7 year is too young for it (depends on child obviously) as like any tech it's easily lost.

2. Were you able to easily access support to help set up your Monqi device and parent App?

Yes - very easy. We've had major issues with signal and the phone playing up and Monqi have gone out of their way to help. That could be as we are testers though.

3. Did it reduce any of your safety concerns in regards to your child having a mobile phone around the following areas:
a) Internet security & access to inappropriate content - yes, this was very good. The sole reason I did not want DD to have a phone is because I was concerned about her viewing inappropriate content and she is too young to access social media. The fact that I was in complete control of things was fab.

b) Cyber Bullying - Again, great as I can see exactly who is texting her and what they say.

c) Game usage - all good as I control her access.

d) App downloading/spending - yes, fully in my control.

e) Location tracking - was OK. I can see where she is when she is allowed out to play but the geofence thing didn;t seem to work. She did go out of the set area and I got no notifications.

4. Were there any features you particularly liked and/or didn’t like? Why did/ didn’t you like them? I love the fact that I have to approve new contacts and apps and I can see who is texting her. On the downside, this may get tired for her when she is a bit older, so may cause some arguments. I didn't like the fact that it came with youtube pre-loaded. There are also a few harmless apps that I would like her to have but she can't seem to find - eg National Trust app and the GoHenry money card for children. I would like to see an override whereby if there were apps I'd like her to have but aren't found on her phone, I can sort of 'push' them through using my bonded phone. Not sure if this is possible.

5. Is there anything you would change about this product? If so, what? See above - I'd fix it so I can push through apps I'd like her to have from my phone. I would also like notifications to be more obvious. Also the ability to send photos to my phone via bluetooth and also to upload photos to the Bt cloud in our home. Also the ability to buy a nice case (maybe we can - not sure).

6. Would you recommend the Monqi smartphone to other parents who have safety concerns around their child’s first smartphone? Yes, I can't see us getting rid of it now.

Thank you for letting us test this - it's been a really great thing to do.

One thing I forgot to add is that the battery life is poor and needs improving.

I missed this thread somehow!!!
Will add my feedback later.