Mumsnet users discuss getting their child’s first mobile phone with musicMagpie

[EllieMumsnet]

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Buying your child their first mobile phone can feel like a big milestone; it’s one of their first steps to becoming a little more independent. With so many different types of phones out there and with a lot of information to sift through on when and how to go about getting your DC their first phone, whether you hand them down their siblings old one, buy a refurbished phone or even get a new one, musicMagpie would love to know your tips, experiences and thoughts on buying your child their first phone.

Here’s what musicMagpie has to say: “With the latest smartphones costing up to £1,000 or more each year, it’s not feasible for many families to be able to afford the latest Tech. You can still get your kids great quality phones without the hefty bill when you buy certified refurbished mobile phones from musicMagpie. You can literally save hundreds of pounds! For example, you could pay £449 for a brand new iPhone 7 or you could save over £170 for a very good condition iPhone 7 with musicMagpie. It’s not just the price – all of our phones comes with a 12 month warranty and go through a thorough 70 point check to make sure they’re in full working order. Here’s how we refurbish our phones. Keep the kids happy and save money… why wouldn’t you?”

What age did you decide to give your child their first phone? Or was it more about them starting secondary school or walking places by themselves that was the deciding factor? Have you/did you ever consider getting them a second hand/refurbished phone? If you did was it a hand-me-down phone from yourself or did you purchase a refurbished one? How did decide which phone was best and what type of package did you get e.g. pay-as-you-go or contract? Have you put any rules in place surrounding the use of their phone? Do you have any tips on where to shop for their first phone?

Whatever your thoughts, tips and/or experiences are, comment them on the thread below and all MNers that do will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

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I'm going to wait as long as possible until I give my 3 mobiles. They won't be able to keep it with them overnight either.

DD wanting a phone now at 10 as friends start to have them. Will likely do at 11th birthday and in advance of secondary school, but with clear guidance on safe usage

Hand me down phone at 9, a bit early, but useful experience under tighter control before secondary school

My child had their first phone in Year 6 when started to walk to school with friends. It was a basic phone from a major supermarket. It was also pay as you go.

We moved to a smart phone in Year 8 as I bowed to pressure that ‘everyone had one’ I did put parental controls in though.

Congratulations to Dormouse1940 for winning the £300 voucher

Getting interested and got some valuable information.
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DD had her first mobile at 7 purely so her father could contact her. He rarely did which is why I got a PAYG £20 text/talk Nokia. When she was 9 we did a trial on MN with Monqi so that was her first smart phone.

When Monqi pulled the plug on the contract with no warning I switched to giffgaff on the same phone. Last year when she was 11 I gave her my old iPhone 5s because we were going to DLP and it was easier for contact and photos. She loves it.

If it breaks I will get her a refurbished phone as there is no way I’m getting a kid a new iphone. My own is 3 years old.

I used to think it was insane giving iPhones to kids but the older ones aren’t worth much and the sim is only £6 a month.

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It only became necessary when they went to secondary school and were more independent. We had a 'Phone or 5" rule...either phone us or be home by 5. Never failed.

We started with a second hand phone after my husband upgraded his phone, we put a pay as you go sim in, it was just used for emergencies and until he was responsible and looked after it then we bought him a phone on contract when he went to secondary school. He had a phone quite young.

My 15 year old still has a Nokia brick after we learnt a very painful lesson with one of his older sisters.

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great post, this is aninterestingtopic about mobile. I like this type of post and get some ideas. good job