The first smartphone is very important when it comes to our child. We need to take into account certain restrictions we should impose, but also how much we choose to expose them to society and protect them from it.
Smartphones are an extremely useful tool in everyday life, but their usefulness is matched only by the level of dangers they come with. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to consider several factors when choosing your child’s first smartphone.
Are children influenced by the digital era they are growing up in?
Definitely, yes! According to studies, televisions and tablets still hold leading positions in mass consumption. However, most preteens prefer platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, where they mostly watch content provided by vloggers or influencers, while online games remain extremely popular among children aged 5-15.
It is true that all these options also come with a series of challenges for parents, especially when we discuss excessive and unhealthy technology use. However, we believe that the secret to a balanced digital life lies in the ability to adapt and correctly understand the benefits technology has for children.
Psychologists emphasize that from an early age, children’s attention is focused on plasticity. Their brains have the ability to change functionally and structurally through the experiences they have with the surrounding environment. Therefore, they will cope successfully with new challenges and expectations.
They argue that online experiences will shape their way of thinking and strengthen different neural connections at the expense of others.
For example, they may not retain a large amount of information, but it will be very easy for them to quickly manage to find the source they need. They will become more creative, resourceful, and attentive to details.
Therefore, we can say that access to technology has the ability to shape the architecture of the brain, but its effects can be beneficial or harmful depending on the time spent on screens and the type of activity performed.
Your child’s first smartphone
Still, the time has come when you can no longer avoid your child’s question: “When do I get a mobile phone too?”. So, have you decided to buy their first smartphone? Here are a few tips that can guide you in making the right purchase.
1. Buy smart
Often, children or teenagers may want the latest smartphone model simply because they have seen it at schoolmates or even among influencers. In reality, however, they will never end up using the multiple functions and cutting-edge technology provided by smart devices.
Moreover, such a purchase should not involve a financial effort from parents. For this reason, on our website you can find refurbished smartphones, 100% checked, with impeccable appearance and perfectly functional, at more than affordable prices.
2. Choose the right operating system
In general, adults already have their own preferences when it comes to operating systems, but for children it is quite difficult to decide what will truly be more useful to them.
For example, smartphones running iOS provide less control over the system compared to those running Android.
Additionally, you can set internet usage rules for the child or teenager in your family by using the Family Link app. For this reason, every parent should carefully analyze the control possibilities and monitoring options before deciding to purchase a certain mobile phone brand.
Price, an important factor for the first smartphone
3. Take the price into account
There are many smartphone options on the market, some more powerful, others with basic features, with prices for every budget.
This is the principle we have also embraced at Klap.ro! We wanted to offer a variety of extra-quality products, suitable for everyone who wants access to technology.
This is also why, on our website, you will find phones from well-known brands at prices accessible to everyone.
For example, you can purchase a refurbished iPhone SE 16GB for your child for only 499 lei, or even a Samsung Galaxy A10 32GB for only 399 lei. Not to mention that buying your child the latest smartphone model can be far too much responsibility for them, especially since they can forget it, lose it, or accidentally damage it.
4. Choose the extra protection service
Leave your worries aside and choose an extra protection service for your child’s phone. We were children too, and we perfectly remember the saying “head in the clouds”, because we lived it ourselves. Some of us may be more dreamy, careless, or simply unable to avoid accidents.
For this reason, with the extra protection service for phones offered by Klap.ro, you can rest easy and be covered at any time for possible damage to the physical appearance, such as a broken display, for technical defects caused by unforeseen events, or even in case of theft or loss.
Eliminate a risk from the start
5. Prepaid card or subscription?
An unlocked phone saves you from worrying about a contractual commitment. You will not constantly have to check additional costs, nor will you have to pay a monthly amount if the smartphone is not used.
Moreover, children cannot purchase apps or use more data than they have available, which eliminates concerns related to a potentially high phone bill.
6. Look for accessories to protect the phone
While looking for the ideal smartphone, make sure that protective cases are available for the model you choose. For some models, you will find a variety of options, each more colorful and stylish than the next.
For others, however, you may encounter problems, especially if those models were not in high demand. The case does not have to be expensive to be effective, but it is recommended that it provide protection for both the screen and the body of the device.
Setting rules is a priority
7. Discuss and establish the rules for using the first smartphone
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, it is almost impossible to deprive our child of technology, but we are the ones who can guide them to use it correctly. This involves a series of rules that must be discussed with each child individually.
For example, you can discuss banning games 1-2 hours before bedtime or accessing different apps during school hours. Look for a device with software that allows you to set time limits, or look for apps that can help you manage time more efficiently.
8. Choose a smartphone model that will help your child
We know, many parents will want the first smartphone to be used only for phone calls, text messages, or location apps. However, we want to be realistic and put selfishness aside.
We adults also use our mobile phones daily and want them to have apps that make our lives easier.
We encourage you to choose a smart phone that will help your child have fun with their favorite games. It should also help them develop their creativity through photos and videos, allow them to watch videos, or install apps that are suitable for them.
That being said, we hope we have offered you a clearer perspective on the decision to purchase a smartphone for children.
