Deciding when your child is ready to have their own phone is an inevitable challenge of parenting. Cost is one thing, but managing the "everyone else has a new iPhone" argument is a trial unto itself.
It's up to you to figure out when your child is ready for a phone. After that, it's a matter of picking a suitable device, which may come down to a bit of parent/child negotiation.
You can, for example, keep things as basic as possible, with a simple model used for occasional/emergency calls and texts. Or maybe they're ready for something a bit more mid-range, with web access, social media, apps and a camera. In any case, children and teenagers don't need the latest, greatest or most expensive models (though points for trying, kids).
We've put together some advice from CHOICE tech experts and experienced parents to help you decide. And for CHOICE members, our tech expert Denis Gallagher provides his pick of the best bang-for-your-buck phones for young users.
On this page:
- Should I buy an Android or iPhone for my child?
- Does my child need a 5G phone?
- Buying your child's first phone
- Choosing a smart watch instead
- Saving money with second-hand, hand-me-down or refurbished phones
- Do I need to insure my child's phone?
- Best mobile phones for children and teens
Should I buy an Android or iPhone for my child?
As far as functionality and performance goes, it's dealer's choice. The most popular apps, games, and streaming services are available across both operating systems.
So what's the main difference? Price. The cheapest Android phones are hundreds of dollars less than anything Apple has to offer. This may give Android an edge when you consider the likelihood of phones being lost, damaged or stolen (hint, the risk of this happening is not low!).
That said, there are a handful of reasons that an Apple phone might be worth the added expense.
- There aren't as many dodgy junk apps on Apple's App Store. That's not to say the App Store is completely safe, but it's much harder to get an app approved by Apple for release by Apple, compared to the Google Play Store.
- Apple devices work very well with one another. If you already own other Apple devices, such as an iPad or Apple Watch, it may be worth buying a phone for your child that works in the same ecosystem. This also means that setting up family accounts and some parental controls, will be a fairly seamless process.
- Your child may find an iPhone easier to use if they are already familiar with using iPhones or iPads.
Does my child need a 5G phone?
Not necessarily, but almost all smartphones released in the last two years can connect to 5G. You'd have to go out of your way to find one that doesn't. But you do need to be aware of connectivity issues if you're looking at a second-hand, refurbished or a hand-me-down smartphone that uses 3G or even 4G if the variety of network bands supported is limited.
3G no longer supported, and some 4G phones affected
Australia doesn't have a 3G network anymore. This means 3G-only phones can no longer make or receive calls or SMS messages, or use the internet.
Smartphones released in the early days of 4G (mid-2014 to late 2015) are also affected. Despite being technically 4G capable mobiles, these phones default to 3G for emergency calls such as 000.
If you're looking at an affordable older or second-hand smartphone, make sure it can connect to 4G or 5G and double-check the release date. This information should be available for most older devices at GSMArena.
Buying your child's first phone
Phones are a step towards independence, and you'll most likely find that what your child needs from a phone will change over time. For most younger users, a phone is a way to contact family or close friends when they're outside the home – e.g. when they need a lift home from school because football training was cancelled.
In this case, you may want to consider an old-school flip phone with talk and text, which can't connect to the internet. A few manufacturers are keeping these classics alive for a relatively low price – around $100. They're often marketed as "phones for seniors".
Keep in mind that you can get simple phones and flip phones that do connect to the internet. Double check the specifications before buying, if they mention 4/5G or Wi-Fi anywhere, they can go online and may not suit your needs.
When your child is a little older and (hopefully) a bit more mature, they may be ready for a smartphone with Wi-Fi and 4/5G connectivity. They'll probably want to install social media and instant messaging apps to chat with their friends, video streaming services (Netflix, YouTube and so on) and maybe some games.
The RRP for a new, entry-level smartphone is around $300 while mid-range models cost up to $900 or so. Now, kids can be very persuasive but you don't need to spend any more than that on a phone for your youngster – and even $900 is extremely generous.
Simple phones (aka phones for seniors)
Despite the somewhat condescending name, simple phones (also known as phones for seniors) can be a good option for younger users. They strip things right back to an easy-to-navigate screen that only displays a handful of apps and limited phone settings.
Not only are they far less complicated than a typical smartphone interface, they can be a gentle way to restrict your kids to a specific selection of apps without feeling like they're being locked down. That way, they can avoid programs with content that isn't age appropriate.
CHOICE tech expert Denis Gallagher says that they're a good compromise between a basic offline phone and a fully fledged smartphone.
"The single screen controls present a series of menu buttons for phone calls, texting and email with additional buttons for popular apps such as WhatsApp. Also, their cameras aren't great by current smartphone standards but good enough for quick snaps and sharing memories."
If you'd rather repurpose an old smartphone you have at home, there are apps that you can download onto Android smartphones to create a simple menu system and allow a level of control over the phone user's online access. These are called 'custom launchers' and setup does take a little technical know-how.
Choosing a smart watch instead
Denis says that a smart watch could be another option to consider – they're relatively cheap (depending on the brand you choose) and offer similar functionality to non-smartphones, allowing users to call, text and play a few games.
"Many kids love the Dick Tracy-style smartwatches that are now available for under $200; they come with a nanoSIM or embedded SIM that turns the small device into a mobile phone," says Denis. "There are levels of parental control you can use to ensure the user can't be contacted by people not in the contacts list before handing over the device."
Mobile phones are now effectively banned, or their use restricted, in most schools across Australia. The specific rules vary from state to state, but you might need to check with your school to find out if that includes smart watches.
"Be sure you're familiar with your school's policy on mobile devices, because a watch that has to be taken off throughout the day can easily be lost or stolen."
Be sure you're familiar with your school's policy on mobile devices, because a watch that has to be taken off throughout the day can easily be lost or stolen
CHOICE tech expert Denis Gallagher
If you have an iPhone and an Apple Watch, Apple has software called Family Setup that allows parents and guardians to register a second watch from their existing iPhone (even if the child does not have their own smartphone). The child can then call home, share their location or send messages from their wrists, but will not have access to the entire web.
Saving money with second-hand, hand-me-down or refurbished phones
There are plenty of excellent second-hand and refurbished phones out there which will more than meet your kid's needs. You may even have a slightly older phone kicking around the house that only needs a few software updates.
Not only is this cheaper, the (likely) inevitable pain of dealing with a broken or misplaced smartphone is easier to bear if the phone is pre-owned. But you need to shop smart if you're buying second-hand.
Don't buy a 3G only or 4G phone released before 2016 as these can't be depended to work on modern mobile networks
As well as overall condition, you need to check the networking options and battery life. As mentioned above, don't buy a 3G only or 4G phone released before 2016 as these can't be depended to work on modern mobile networks.
Once your child is well into high school it is likely they won't be satisfied with a non-smartphone.
Also be aware that used phones will likely have a shorter battery life than those that are fresh out of the box. This is because batteries slowly degrade over time. Refurbished models from reputable dealers – like Apple or Reebelo – are generally a safe bet.
If you're buying from a friend or at a second-hand store, ask if you can check the battery health in the phone's settings. If the staff say no, it's best to err on the side of caution and shop elsewhere.
As a general rule, don't buy a used, non-refurbished phone that's more than a few years old. The battery is probably toast and it's not worth the hassle (and cost) of getting it replaced just to save a few extra bucks.
Other features to look for in your child's first phone
Below are some general tips and tricks, as well as useful accessories, you may need to think about while shopping around and setting things up.
Online access and parental controls
It's worth setting up a few parental controls and restrictions, especially if this is your child's first phone. You can monitor their use of the device, limit who can communicate with your child, and manage the apps they have access to – especially apps that let them communicate with others and make online purchases.
The government's eSafety website gives you some information on how to do this on mobile and smartphone devices.
"You can try setting up the phone so that all apps and purchases require parent approval, with screen time and parental restrictions set," suggests Denis. "You should also have ongoing chats with your child about privacy, security, consent when filming and so on."
Apple has "Assistive Access" settings, which let you strip down the functionality of the phone to more focused features and a simplified user interface. Designed for people with cognitive disabilities, it could also be suitable for an older or younger person's phone.
Android devices have similar settings, but the large range of manufacturers means the options are slightly different depending on the brand. If you own or can borrow a friend's Android phone, search "parental controls" in the settings to review your options. Otherwise, ask a salesperson for a demonstration or check the manufacturer's website.
Most popular apps have parental controls of their own too, which can be individually adjusted. For example, Disney+ lets you set up age-restrictions to filter out movies and shows that aren't appropriate for viewers under 18.
GPS tracking features
All but very basic, offline phones come with GPS. This is typically used for navigation but you can also link most phones to a parent account to track the activities of the user, including where they're going or where they've been.
Location tracking can be used to locate a phone if it happens to get lost, which, let's face it, is not an unlikely scenario. Apple calls this tool 'Find My Phone', for example. You can also use it to see where the person carrying the phone is at any given time. The extent to which you decide to do this (if at all) is up to you.
How much storage does the phone need?
A tween or teen's phone can fill up very quickly with photos, videos and voice messages. For most casual smartphone users, 128GB phone memory is enough, although many people prefer to choose 256GB or more.
A low cost, simple flip phone is a good option for kids.
Is a case and screen protector worth the cost?
Yes. Always yes.
Choose a case that has good 'bumpers' on the corners of the phone and a slightly raised lip to protect the screen (the screen should be a little recessed in the case). A case with a textured or rubbery finish can help with grip, too.
Denis says: "Any silicone case will provide some protection for the daily bumps and drops in using a smartphone. Make sure the case has a small ridge sitting proud of the screen – this will protect against scratches when your phone is placed face down."
Choose a case that has good 'bumpers' on the corners of the phone and a slightly raised lip to protect the screen
But what about screen protectors? If your phone is a hand-me-down and you're choosing between a case or a protector, Denis says to spend your money on a reasonably priced case under $50 instead of a screen protector. "However," he adds, "if the phone is new or expensive it's probably worth investing in a screen protector as well."
Do I need to insure my child's phone?
Loss and breakages are to be expected with mobile devices, so insurance is a good idea when you're handing tech over to kids. But it's important to make sure you're not paying more for insurance than the device is worth.
If you sign up to a phone plan, your provider will likely offer you insurance, but check the terms and conditions carefully before you sign up.
If you own the phone outright, you can insure your smartphone by taking out portable contents cover on your home insurance, or buying single item insurance. Most insurers offer portable contents cover as an optional extra; some include it by default. Check the details of your policy.
Smartphone shopping tips from parents
With no shortage of parents around the office, we had plenty of CHOICE staff on hand to share their experiences of setting up their child's first smartphone.
- "If you feel you and your child are not quite yet ready for a phone, don't forget that there are still plenty of Telstra payphones across the country, on street corners and in small towns, that are completely free to use. Teach your child how to use one and make sure they know your number off by heart should they ever need it."
- "Start off with a cheap handset so there is limited stress around loss or breakages. You can always upgrade later."
- "Before giving your child a phone, establish a 'contract' together that sets out rules and expectations for both you and your child in regards to how the phone will be used and when. You could also consider giving them their first phone on a trial basis."
- "Put healthy boundaries in place when it comes to the expectations around monitoring and phone use."
- "Monitor your child's privacy when using the device – carefully consider permissions and whether apps need to monitor your child's contact list, location, etc. And help your child set up robust security settings."
Best mobile phones for children and teens
Our expert Denis Gallagher has put together the following options that should provide a good way to keep your children in touch when needed, without them feeling on the outs with their peers.
We independently test and review dozens of new phones each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.
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