No parent enjoys watching his or her child grow older and more independent, but it is a way of life. Your children will grow more mature in front of your eyes, and with that comes many changes and additional responsibilities. While many of these factors have been the same throughout human existence, one relatively new element of child rearing involves their very first cell phone.
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But with the fast pace of your children’s growth and the even faster pace of phone technology, it can be difficult to know which phone is the right match for your child’s age and maturity level. Especially in the tween years where they are not quite a teenager but no longer a young child, the difficulty of making any decision can be intensified. However, this is the age in which many children begin to have their own cell phones, and your child has undoubtedly been asking about it for quite some time.
So, where do you begin when shopping for the best starter phones for a pre-teen? How much should you spend on a starter phone? Is your child ready for the responsibility that comes with a smartphone? How can you shield your child from all of the dangers that lurk around the internet and dangerous apps? These are all legitimate questions, ones you have and will consider when choosing the right phone.
This guide is designed to help you answer some of those questions and choose the right fit for your pre-teen, with a few examples of some of the best for kids/teens in general. The main areas you should focus on include the responsibility of a cell phone, the plan you must choose, the deal you will make with your child and the phone itself.
The Responsibility
Your pre-teen child may think he or she is becoming an adult and ready for the responsibility of a cell phone, but tweens are still very much children. That means they will still play actively, love any new toy for a short time and invariably lose and/or break things. You are obviously welcome to buy your pre-teen a new iPhone 8 or Samsung Galaxy S8, but only if you enjoy throwing money away. Additionally, phones are stolen from children every day, and an $800 phone will be very enticing to thieves.
With all that being said, a first phone may be one of the first major items your child owns him- or herself, and losing or breaking said phone will be a major lesson in responsibility. It is likely to happen, so don’t be too surprised when it does. Just use it as a teaching moment and be glad you did not shell out a fortune for the coolest new phone.
The Plan
Before you begin shopping for smartphones, you need to consider the phone plan you need for your child. There are likely some enticing options by your provider, but your child may not need all that comes with an unlimited plan. In fact, you may be better off buying an unlocked smartphone that can only be used over Wi-Fi or a simple phone with a cheap plan.
The Deal
Your pre-teen must understand that ownership of a smartphone does not entitle them to complete privacy. Part of the deal should be that you can check their phone at any time to ensure they are not involved in anything they shouldn’t be. The internet and certain apps are breeding grounds for bullying, sexting and all kinds of dark nonsense your child should have no part in.
Phones
Choosing the best phone for a pre-teen involves balancing features, durability, parental controls, and affordability. Here are some top options that meet these criteria:
1. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
The iPhone SE (2022) is a solid choice for pre-teens due to its compact size, powerful performance, and comprehensive parental controls. This phone features Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series, ensuring smooth performance and longevity. The 4.7-inch Retina HD display is perfect for smaller hands, and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor adds an extra layer of security. The iPhone SE also supports all the latest iOS updates, meaning it will receive software support for many years. Parental controls through Apple’s Screen Time allow parents to set limits on app usage, control content, and track screen time.
2. Google Pixel 4a
The Google Pixel 4a is another excellent option for pre-teens. It offers a great balance of affordability and performance, with a standout camera that is perfect for capturing moments. The Pixel 4a features a 5.81-inch OLED display, making it easy to handle for smaller hands. Its Snapdragon 730G processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Google’s Family Link app provides robust parental controls, allowing parents to manage apps, set screen time limits, and lock the device remotely. The Pixel 4a also receives regular updates from Google, ensuring it stays secure and up-to-date.
3. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
For families looking for a budget-friendly yet capable phone, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a strong contender. It features a large 6.5-inch display, a quad-camera setup for versatile photography, and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery. The Galaxy A32 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 720 processor, providing reliable performance for everyday use and gaming. Samsung’s One UI offers a user-friendly interface, and Samsung Kids Mode provides a safe environment for younger users, with parental controls to manage usage and content. Additionally, its 5G capability ensures the phone is future-proof as networks continue to expand.
4. Moto G Power (2021)
The Moto G Power (2021) is known for its exceptional battery life, making it ideal for pre-teens who might forget to charge their device regularly. It boasts a massive 5000mAh battery that can last up to three days on a single charge. The 6.6-inch display is large and bright, suitable for media consumption and gaming. Powered by a Snapdragon 662 processor, it delivers adequate performance for most tasks. Motorola’s software includes a Kids Space mode, designed to offer a kid-friendly environment with apps, books, and videos that parents can control. The Moto G Power also provides good value for money, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice.
We are currently looking for a new phone for my son. I am glad there are some listed here that we can look into along with some prices.