Time to get the children's first mobile phone? But are they really ready? These are questions that many of today's parents struggle with.
There is of course no simple answer to these questions. The only thing we can state with certainty is that the mobile phone will be a large part of the children's lives sooner or later.
Unfortunately, there is no exact age that says "now is the time for your child to get their first mobile phone!".
It is simply up to you to check your own situation and decide if your child is ready for a mobile phone.
But when the time comes for the child's first mobile phone, here are 4 useful tips:
1. Be clear in your communication with your child
Sit down and talk to your child beforehand. It is you as an adult who sets the boundaries and it is good to make these clear as early as possible.
Maybe you want the child to only be allowed to play certain games and maybe only for a limited time, etc. Clear boundaries are good for children.
Something that has proven to work less effectively is to punish the child when they do not follow a rule you have agreed upon. Instead, try to reason with the child and be clear about what went wrong.
Sometimes it can be good to talk to the child for a while after a conflict has arisen.
2. Limit downloads and purchases
A modern mobile phone (for example an iPhone) has a number of smart functions that make it easier for you as a parent to block certain applications and keep better track of what your child is doing on the mobile phone.
On an iPhone, you can keep track of your child's screen time, set timeouts, limit the use of specific apps, and prevent inappropriate downloads and purchases.
Limit your child's screen time:
- 1. Go to Settings and tap on Screen Time.
- 2. Tap Screen Free Time and then "Schedule"
- 3. Now you can choose a time window for screen-free time.
- 4. Now go back a step and press "Always allowed"
- 5. Here you can select apps that you want the child to always have access to.
How to prevent downloads and purchases:
- 1. Go to Settings and tap on Screen Time.
- 2. Tap Restrict Content/Privacy.
- 3. Tap Buy in iTunes and App Store.
- 4. Select a setting and set it to Do not allow.
3. Keep an eye on the child's mobile via remote control
Using a super smart feature called Family Sharing, you can limit your child's screen time, approve app downloads, and lots more right from your own iPhone.
No more needs to be said!
This function is a must for you who want full control so that your child never downloads inappropriate content or sits for so long with the mobile phone that the eyes become rectangular.
How do you get started with Family Sharing? Follow this one step-by-step guide on how to enable family sharing on Apple's website.
4. Save thousands with a used mobile phone
It's time for the child's first mobile phone, but is it a must to buy a brand new phone?
Most children aged 7-9 will be super happy regardless of whether it is a slightly older mobile phone or the very latest.
Buying a new mobile phone can be seen as a safe bet. You have a guarantee from the manufacturer and usually no unwanted problems arise with either the hardware or the software.
But what happens if the mobile phone is dropped and, for example, the screen breaks? Have you bought one of the latest models from Apple or Samsung then the bill for a screen replacement can be very, very expensive.
So what options do you have?
Today, buying a used mobile phone is often as easy and safe as buying a brand new one!
With us at Refurbly, you can buy a fully tested, refurbished and restored iPhone for a fraction of the price of a new one.
You also get a 2-year warranty and can add a generous phone insurance that protects against screen breakage, theft and loss of the mobile for just SEK 495.
NEW: At Refurbly, you can now add an eco-labeled mobile subscription with no commitment period to your used iPhone!
Check our range of used mobile phones
