Teen and phone

[DrCoconut]

My newly turned teen really wants a phone. I have held off for now as he has SEN and is a bit young for his age but I don't think just banning phones is the best thing, I'd rather he learn to use it safely so he can benefit from the good side of technology. Anyway, I have iPhone and he'd like android. Anyone have experience of this scenario, apps/settings to keep check on his safety etc? I'm going to research it obviously but other people's experiences would be welcome as part of that.

Think i would suggest he had iPhone too if you have one as at least you will be familiar with how to use it in order to keep tabs on what he is doing and ensuring he is using it safely. I would have no clue how to use android as I’ve only ever had iPhone’s

Just get him an SE iPhone

I don't know much about android phones but I'd go for a Samsung Galaxy

And as with any phone go for as much storage space as you can afford nothing under 128gb

There are location apps so don't worry about the comparability between them

The first mobile phones I bought my DC years ago were Motorola and they were so shit compared to an iPhone.

They've had iPhones ever since

My parents have Samsung phones and they are lovely easy to use mobiles. They have iPads and Apple PC so not sure why no matching iPhones

My DS however did not want an Apple laptop he was absolutely adamant he did not like them so I got him an HP which he loves. He's fine with his iPhone but if he bought his own I have no idea what he'd choose.

I'd get a reconditioned IPhone and set him up as with a Child Account.

That way you can set screen time limits, refuse inappropriate purchases and apps abd have a look at what's he's been looking at, if you want to.

If you have an iPhone I’d strongly suggest going with an iPhone for DC too. Especially with a SEN child you want as much visibility as possible.

There is a good app called qustudio you can link to their phone.