Cell phones and other electronic devices allow us to work more efficiently, communicate with others, and much more.
With technology only advancing, our society encourages us to rely on our phones to complete most tasks. This means that the time may be quickly approaching for your child to need their own device.
These five tips for choosing your child’s first smartphone will give you the tools you need to set your child up for success.
Assess Their Maturity
Most parents purchase a phone for their children when they are around 12 to 13 years old. But the choice is up to you. Do you feel like your child is mature enough to be responsible with their new phone?
You can assess their maturity levels by checking how they take care of the family pet. You can also see how they carry out chores that you ask them to do at particular times, such as cleaning their room. If they succeed, that’s a good indicator that they’re ready to have more responsibility.
Purchase for the Right Reasons
Before buying a new phone for your child, consider the “why” behind your purchase. Is your child starting school, and you’re considering giving them a phone to enable them to communicate with you?
Whatever the reason, be sure to establish a foundation of technological trust between you and your child.
Consider the Price
When buying a cell phone for your child, you might want to buy a refurbished phone, which won’t cost as much. That way, you won’t waste lots of money if they break the phone!
All the refurbished electronic devices at Wamatek undergo a rigorous inspection process to ensure they’re in tip-top shape for you and your family. Getting a phone with us is a win-win!
Set and Discuss Rules
Now that your child has their own cell phone, they may feel excited about everything they can do with their new device. But before they can use it, sit them down and have a serious conversation about the significance of owning a phone.
This is the time to set and establish rules. For example, you may have them ask permission to download apps onto their device. Or you might say that they can only use their phone after they’ve finished their homework. This will help your child establish a healthy relationship with technology.
Setting usage times, app approval rules, and more will ensure your child understands the responsibility that comes along with owning a phone.
Manage Parental Controls
Most tech devices allow parents to install parental controls to ensure their child’s safety. For example, some apps may be for teenagers or adults, such as dating apps or gory video games. Parental control gives you the ability to track your child’s location, app use, and the time they spend on the device so that you have peace of mind.
By following these five tips for choosing your child’s first smartphone, you can help your child establish a healthy relationship with technology. You’ll also have someone to play games like Words with Friends with!
