Choosing the Perfect Phone
When parents decide to gift their child their first mobile phone, they encounter a variety of factors to consider—from selecting the appropriate model to ensuring online security and minimizing the risk of loss.
After making the decision to buy a phone for your child, it’s essential to identify which type of device will best meet their needs while also establishing a budget.
For an initial smartphone, there are budget-friendly android options available for under £100. These devices generally come with dependable batteries and satisfactory displays. For instance, the HMD pulse can be found online for about £70, while Motorola’s Moto G34 is priced around £130.
If you lean towards Apple products, be ready for higher price points; new iPhones start at £599 from authorized retailers. Though, attractive deals can frequently enough be found online—such as the 2022 iPhone SE available at Laptops Direct for approximately £299—which serves as an excellent entry into Apple’s ecosystem.
An alternative strategy is to refurbish an old smartphone by replacing its battery and casing while performing a factory reset. If software updates are still accessible from the manufacturer, this option could lead to significant savings.
Set Up Parental Controls
If your child is under 13 years old, both Apple and Google allow you to create linked accounts that enable monitoring of their usage—including filtering search results.For children aged 13 and older who have self-reliant accounts, various parental controls can be set up on either Android or iPhone during configuration by linking it with your family account.
You can impose limits on screen time, block specific applications, restrict access to certain content types, manage permissions effectively, and even track their location. Both Apple’s parental controls and Google’s Family Link offer detailed guides on how to configure these settings properly.
While all networks provide some level of parental control features, those seeking more comprehensive oversight might want to explore ParentShield, which allows parents not only to monitor calls and texts but also offers extensive blocking capabilities along with spending restrictions on premium numbers.Monthly SIM-only plans range from £5.99 up to £39.99.
Teach Online Safety Practices
< p > The MoneyHelper service emphasizes that if children share personal details like names or addresses online—criminals could misuse this information by opening bank accounts under false identities affecting future credit ratings when they grow older.< / p >
< p > Regular discussions between parents and children about not sharing sensitive information during website logins or gaming sessions should take place.< br />
You may discover identity theft if unexpected bank statements arrive addressed in your child’s name; such incidents should be reported promptly through Action fraud—the national cybercrime reporting center.< br />
Teach kids how to create strong passwords; according to the National Cyber Security Center,< a href=https://beautifulclubs.com/'>using three random words together creates robust passwords.’ .
Caution Regarding In-App Purchases
< P>The market appears saturated with “free” games available for download; though many come attached with charges related specifically towards in-app purchases—as an example buying virtual currency or unlocking additional features within games.< br />Parents have shared alarming stories regarding ample bills racked up due solely because of children’s impulsive spending habits linked directly via payment cards associated with these apps! < br />
To avoid such situations entirely—you can disable any potential in-app purchases through device settings.
Teaching Budgeting Skills Through Technology
Smartphones serve as valuable tools enabling youngsters learn essential budgeting skills effectively!< /P >
The pocket money submission GoHenry offers three membership tiers (starting at just£3 .99 monthly per child ) including debit cards alongside platforms allowing kids set savings goals while giving parents control over card usage & monitoring expenditures ! Their site provides educational videos & quizzes focusing financial management !< /P >
< A HREF =" https : // beautiful clubs. com / "data -link -name ="in body link "> starling Bank ‘s Kite functions similarly offering debit cards + apps where kids check balances/spending via phones whilst allowing guardians top-up funds , track expenses & establish limits easily ! note : A parent must possess an active Starling current account ; setup remains free!< /P >
< A HREF =" https : // beautiful clubs . com / "data-link-name = “in body link” > HyperJar app provides prepaid cards loaded funds allocated across different categories like food/travel/clubs etc., costing only£4 .99 per teen card!< /P >
Parents encouraged having open discussions regarding safeguarding personal details shared digitally!