Choosing a phone for your child: smartwatch, basic phone, or smartphone?

When buying a phone, it's essential to consider the user's needs, as children's requirements often differ from those of adults. This guide highlights key factors to consider when choosing a phone for a child.

A child's first phone

As children become more independent and spend more time away from parental supervision, it's time to consider getting them their first phone. While many children start with a hand-me-down from a parent or sibling, you might need to buy a new device. Consider whether to jump straight to a smartphone or start with a simpler option, such as a smartwatch phone or a basic mobile phone for calls and texts.

Smartwatch phones: The ideal first phone for kids

A smartwatch phone is a smart choice for a child's first device for many reasons. Smartphones carry risks, especially for young children just starting to explore the internet. A smartwatch allows them to focus on the basics: staying in touch with parents and friends. It also includes safety features for parents and fun functions for kids:

• Harder to lose than a traditional phone
• GPS location tracking
• Encourages physical activity
• Longer battery life than the average smartphone
• Easy communication without excessive screen time
• No calls from unknown numbers