How to choose a phone for children
Guide to the best mobiles for kids
Buying your child a mobile phone can offer them a new level of independence, but it can be tricky to know where to start. Our guide to smartphones looks at the different options that could be right for your child.
Tips for choosing your child’s mobile phone
If you wish to get a mobile phone for your kids, here are our tips to help them stay safe.
Choose basic
For younger children, choose 'dumb phones' or basic phones with limited features.
Use broadband filters
Turn on broadband filters to provide basic protection from inappropriate websites.
Use parental controls
Use controls to limit chat functions, manage privacy settings & control what content children can access.
Set screen time limits
Always set screen time limits to help manage and control device usage of your child inside and outside the house.
Put sleep first
Shut down mobile phones at least an hour before bedtime and charge devices outside of their bedrooms to promote better sleep.
Create digital rules
Develop digital rules for your family, stick to them and review them regularly as children grow to ensure they remain effective.
Password-restrict downloads
Set a password in app stores to restrict what children can download on their devices.
Pause on social media
Discuss how suitable social media platforms are for your child & the potential risks vs benefits before creating accounts.
How to choose a mobile phone for children
Buying a mobile phone for a child can give them more independence and more responsibility. Whether you’re buying new, reusing a family device, or looking for a budget-friendly option, the right choice should be guided by safety features that protect children at their age and stage, not by the latest model hype.
Common features you’ll see when shopping
When comparing phones, you’ll often see:
- Durability ratings (water resistance, drop protection)
- Internet access and app store availability
- Built-in parental controls
- Screen time and downtime settings
- Location sharing options
- Messaging and calling features
- Camera and media functions
What matters most for children’s safety
Here is age-specific list of features to consider when finding phones for kids.
For younger children (6–9)
Although the majority of children in this age group may not own their own device, if you do choose to give them one (for example, a hand-me-down, or a basic feature or ‘dumb’ phone for keeping in touch), prioritise:
- Limited or no internet access (“dumb” phones or highly restricted smartphones)
- Strong call/text restrictions to trusted contacts only
- PIN-protected app stores or no app store access
- Basic parental controls to prevent accidental spending or exposure to inappropriate content
For tweens (10–12):
- Customisable parental controls for gradual independence
- Age-appropriate content filters
- Ability to set time limits and manage usage
- Location sharing that parents can switch on/off
For teens (13+):
- Balanced controls that protect privacy but still offer safeguards
- App-by-app screen time and notification limits
- Safe social media settings and privacy tools
- Clear agreements on rules and responsibilities
How different operating systems handle safety
The software a phone runs on, its operating system (OS), determines which safety features you can use and how they work. The two most common types are Apple iOS and Android.
- Built-in Screen Time for limits, downtime, and app restrictions
- Family Sharing to approve purchases and downloads
- Strong privacy settings by default
- Communication limits to approved contacts
- Long-term security updates for older model
- Google Family Link for screen time, app approvals, and location sharing
- Variety of devices and price ranges
- Some brands (e.g. Samsung) include Samsung Kids mode for younger children
- Some Google Pixel models have extra AI-powered scam and content protections
- Security update periods vary so make sure to check before you buy
Safety feature checklist for parents
Here is a list of key features to consider when buying a phone for your child.
Built-in device settings (standard on most modern phones):
- Ability to create a child or supervised user profile/account
- Set daily screen time limits and schedule downtime
- Filter or restrict web content and control app downloads by age rating
- Manage spending and in-app purchases with purchase approvals
- Restrict calls/texts to approved contacts (especially for younger children)
- Privacy controls to adjust location sharing and app permissions
- Review usage or activity reports through built-in tools
Add-ons and external tools (may require setup or subscription):
- Dedicated monitoring or filtering apps (e.g., parental control apps like Google Family Link, Bark, or Qustodio)
- Content monitoring services for texts, photos, or social media (where appropriate)
- Additional anti-scam and security apps to protect from phishing or malware
- Device-specific features like Samsung Kids Mode or Google’s Family Link pre-installed on some devices
- Insurance or device protection plans to cover loss or damage
Dumb phones
Dumb phones are a good option for children, as it gives them the safety of being able to contact you at any time, without the risks that social media and internet browsing can bring. Features of dumb phones usually include:
- Phone calls and basic texting
- Durablility with long battery life
- No app store or access to apps
- Cheaper than smartphones
Nokia and HMD sell a range of brick phones that give children a phone for emergencies without the distractions of a regular smartphone. Dumb phones that look like smartphones do exist, such as the Balance Phone, and these can help your child feel more adult when using a dumb phone.
Phones designed with children in mind
Some phones are specially designed for children and tweens, often featuring:
- Pre-installed parental controls and content monitoring. Phones like the HMD Fusion X1 arrive with these controls activated by default.
- Durable, child-friendly designs
- Simplified user interfaces to reduce distractions
- Some brands (e.g. Pinwheel Phone) give parents an app on their own device they can use to manage their child’s activity
Examples include devices built on platforms like the Bark Phone (which integrates safety monitoring on Samsung Galaxy hardware) or other kid-focused models available in your region.
Beyond the phone: extras to consider
- Physical protection – a sturdy case and screen protector to withstand drops and scrapes.
- Child-friendly tariffs – some networks offer low-cost plans with capped data and spending limits.
- Insurance or cover – check if your home insurance includes the phone or take out a policy to protect against loss or damage.
- Hand-me-downs – if reusing an old device, reset it to factory settings, update the software, and set up safety controls before handing it over.
- Monitoring apps – explore our monitoring app guides for extra oversight, especially for younger children.
Explore other section of tech buying guide
See our guides for safety settings across your child’s other devices.
Supporting resources and guides
Before buying your child a mobile phone, explore the following resources to help keep them safe.
Setting up your child's first device?
Get personalised safety guidance for all their devices.