This post is sponsored by Trademore. I was paid for this post.
As kids go back to school many parents, like me, are considering getting their child a smart phone. Here are some tips and things to consider when shopping for a mobile phone for your child:
What device is the right one for your child?
Shopping for the right device for your child can be difficult. That is where pre-owned phones come in handy. It is a cost-effective way to test the waters, introduce your child to the device and teach them the responsibilities of owning their very own phone. That is why we got our kids phones at Trademore.
Trademore offers a large variety of devices with very competitive prices and all of their devices go through a 30-point functional and cosmetic inspection (for quality, reliability and functionality) and receive a 100% inspection score.
I really loved that you receive your order quickly, via free 2-day shipping and it’s super easy to buy on their website, where you can browse through lots of options many of them starting at under $100! You can choose the device you want, the carrier and even what condition the phone is in so you can tailor the phone to your child’s needs and your budget.
What would be the benefits for your child?
In this day and age it’s important to stay connected but cell phones and other devices can also be used for educational purposes. A smart phone or a tablet can be a great way for your child to learn through educational apps that make learning a fun and interactive process. We got my daughter an Iphone 6 plus because the large format is easier for her to hold and read, we downloaded lots of educational apps and it has helped her prevent summer slide by keeping her engaged and practicing math and other subjects.
A smart phone can also help children become more independent and improve their social skills. A cell phone can give parents peace of mind by knowing that they can reach their child at any time.
Will your child adhere to limits and follow cell phone usage rules?
Setting a schedule, clear rules and parental controls to limit and monitor cell phone usage is a must. Controls are available from the mobile service provider, from the phone itself and through apps that can be downloaded. So, before you choose a service provider or a specific phone find out what options they provide when it comes to parental controls. Controls can restrict access to apps and web browsing or prevent a child from viewing specific types of content.
Will your child use text, photo and video functions responsibly?
This a big concern for parents. Make sure that you are very clear about what your child can and cannot take pictures of and start by making sure that your child asks permission before sharing any pictures. Set clear rules about taking pictures of others. Kids should not take or share a picture of someone else without asking that person if it’s ok to do so. Depending on your child or teen’s age you can start to introduce them to social media in a gradual way, so it will be easier for your child to understand how to use it responsibly. The same is true when it comes to internet usage, introduce it slowly, set controls and clear rules so that your child can learn to use it responsibly.
Is Your Child Responsible Enough?
Every child is different, and you should take that into account when getting your child a mobile phone or tablet. Even though your child may be very responsible we all worry about our kids losing or breaking this device and that is why I wanted to start my kids off with certified pre-owned devices from Trademore, which are more affordable.
My blog may contain links to other websites. I am not responsible for the privacy policies of those other websites. When you click on a link, your information may be collected by those websites so I encourage you to read their privacy policies.
These affiliate links are not associated with Trademore.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
- Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
- Traditional Guatemalan Candy - February 25, 2024
We already decided that our kids aren’t getting a phone until they have a job, so we don’t have to worry about this for a while!! Thank goodness! 🙂
Such a great site for getting multiple phones on a budget, I remember not getting my phone until 9th grade, but that as when they were starting to get popular, it was just a flip phone. My how the times have changed.
This is good to keep in mind. My kids do have phones, but there are rules. I’ll take it away so quickly if they misbehave or get poor grades. My son’s phone is old and is starting to die, so I might have to get him a phone from Trademore.
Very important to set rules for your children having their first mobile phone. My first one was pre-owned and I was 15 I believe!
I think that kids should be given some rules when they get their mobiles. Sometimes parents give them phones without thinking of possible negative consequences. Great tips for parents! 🙂
Thanks for this wonderful post. It reminds me of a movie. Wherein the parents gave their son his first phone. And just because they don’t want to overwhelm.him with the high tech one. They gave him the basic ine. BUT the boy ended up screwing himself for dialling 911. I must first teach my child the risks and responsibilities if having a phone.
These are great things to keep in mind! I am still unsure when I will give my child a phone yet but I am keeping these in mind for the future.
Such a great tips and I agree that it is so important to set a rules when your child’s using their phone.
When we decided to get our oldest a phone, we didn’t do much research. But now, in a year or so when it’s time to get one for our middle daughter, we will know what worked and what didn’t work.
Great post, we just gave our 14 year old his first phone and it has been an adventure.
There really are so many things to think about. My son is 10, almost 11 and he really wants his own cell phone. I’m thinking…
My phone is iPhone 6 plus same on your daughters phone. She’s lucky but I thinks there’s a rules or condition to buy your daughters phone I have my first phone 3310 in my age of 16 years old I guess hahahhaa! nice post from you!
My girl is 18 months old so I still have time for this but ! interesting to read! who know which kind of mobile we will have in 12 years ahah
Thanks for sharing !!
It’s amazing to see how technology evolved and how early children these days are getting smartphones. I think I got my first mobile phone when I was 16! Indeed, it’s very important to set parental control on a smartphone, to avoid any unwanted content to be seen by your child.
My grandkids all have iPhones and I’m not sure that’s a good idea right now. For the preteens, I don’t have any issues with it but my youngest granddaughter is always on hers. They all prefer iPhone 6s plus. I think your post is going to be helpful to a lot of people.
Having the ability to connect with your child and your child to get used to modern technology is important, but it does have some drawbacks. With the ability to control your child’s time on there now with the various services cell phone carriers have is such a great thing though.
This is a great post. Such great tips, I’ve used most of these just by searching it up, but this article will definitely help. Thanks for sharing!
Such an important post… my little one is not a big girl yet but I would definitely follow these when she is ready for her first mobile phone ???
I am 24 I was 12 since I have been using phones. Technology wasnt so updated then. But now…
Your points are way too good and informative.
Great post and ideas! I got my first phone at 13 only because I started walking to school
Crazy to think that my kids will probably have a cell phone way before the age I was when I had my first one! Great post for parents to read! TY
I see kids now days getting phones by the age of 5.. I feel like my child will should get a phone when they are teenagers.