Set controls and teach privacy: how to manage your child's first mobile phone

"After you make the decision to get your child a mobile, first up is deciding what type of phone they should have and how much you are willing to spend. For a first smartphone, budget Android devices start at less than 100 and often have solid batteries and good screens. The HMD Pulse is available online for about 70, while Motorola's Moto G34 is 130."

"Set controls If your child is under 13, Apple and Google allow you to create child accounts that are linked to your own account so you can manage their usage, such as filtering their search results. If they are older than 13 and have their own account, you can apply various parental controls on an Android phone or iPhone at setup by connecting it to your, or your family's, account."

Decide on phone type and budget before buying a child's first mobile. Budget Android handsets can cost under £100 with decent batteries and screens, while new iPhones start much higher; used or recycled phones can save money if manufacturers still provide updates. Create child accounts for children under 13 to manage usage and filter content. For those over 13, connect devices to a family account to set screen-time limits, block apps, restrict content and permissions, and track location. Some networks and services offer extra controls, call/text monitoring, number blocking and spending limits. SIM-only deals vary in price.

Read at www.theguardian.com