Are you planning to give your kids their first phone?
When you’re not with your child, cell phones are great tools for staying in touch and monitoring their well-being. They also provide your child with a sense of freedom and independence in communication.
However, there are some boundaries and concerns to consider before giving them their first phone.
In this post, we’ll discuss the key considerations before giving a cell phone to your child and recommend the best devices tailored for 10-12-year-olds.
What do you need to take care of?
Discuss clear rules and boundaries.
Your child needs to understand that having a cell phone is a privilege with limitations. Before they start using it, it’s important to establish clear boundaries and limitations, much like a contract you both agree upon.
Make sure they know what you expect from them while using the phone, both in terms of communication and entertainment. Think of it as a “Do’s and Don’ts” playbook.
Limit their phone use.
Establish rules about when and where they are allowed to use the cell phone. Setting specific times and places for phone use is beneficial for several reasons:
They won’t spend excessive time in front of a screen.
They won’t be overwhelmed by the content they are exposed to.
They can focus on important activities like school or spending time with family.
As they grow older and begin using smartphones independently, they will carry the habit of responsible phone use, reducing the risk of screen addiction.
Talk honestly about the potential dangers of technology.
Kids today are well-informed, but don’t assume they understand all the risks associated with the internet. Discuss common concerns like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and uncomfortable interactions. Teach them what to watch out for and encourage open communication at all times.
Parental control options:
Take advantage of the parental control settings available on phones. Look for additional safety features, such as shortcuts for quickly calling a parent or caretaker, a “find my phone” option, GPS tracking, and an SOS button.
What would be the best phone?
There are many options when it comes to selecting the best phone for a 10-12-year-old child. In our opinion, you can save a lot of time and potential issues by opting for a basic or “dumb” phone
But, what is a dumb phone?
Also known as simple phones or feature phones, these devices prioritize essential functions like calling and texting without the advanced features of a smartphone.
Their goal is to provide a less addictive and simpler experience by eliminating social media and other distracting apps.
If you want to give your child the opportunity to stay connected in a simpler way, without the risks associated with internet access, a basic phone is the best choice.
While many devices offer internet access, the ones available at Keyphone focus solely on providing essential communication features with top-notch quality.
The basic features and apps you can find within a Keyphone are:
- Dialer
- Call log
- Messaging
- Contacts
- Calendar
- Calculator
- Reminder
- Notes
- Alarm
- Camera
- Gallery
Want to become a beta tester?
At Keyphone, we develop basic phones to revolutionize the way we connect.
We focus on high-quality software and hardware to deliver a device that protects you from daily distractions and the dangers of the internet.
We are currently conducting a Beta Testing program to evaluate usability and ensure the release of an even better device.