Smartphones for Kids: Tips for Parents

Smartphones have become a very present part of life for many children in Switzerland. Here, moneyland.ch lists useful tips for parents looking to get their child a smartphone.

1. What is the right age for your first smartphone?

There is no general answer to the question of how old a child should be before getting their own phone. Each parent has to determine for themselves whether they feel their child is old enough to benefit from using a smartphone.

Many pedagogical experts recommend not giving children their own smartphone before the age of 12. But in practice, it is not uncommon for kids in primary school to already have their own smartphones with Internet access.

Here are some traits which indicate that a child is mature enough to handle having their own smartphone with Internet access:

• The child already demonstrates the ability to use other electronic media (TV, YouTube, radio) in a controlled and responsible way.
• The child understands the possible risks and dangers associated with the Internet and digital media.
• The child follows rules regarding what is allowed and what is forbidden.
• The child is in the habit of asking for help from parents or other trustworthy adults when they feel insecure or overwhelmed.

Depending on your situation, it could make sense for your primary-school-aged child to carry a phone without Internet access – in order to communicate in emergencies, for example.

2. What kind of phone does my child need?

There is no need to buy your child the latest or most expensive model. Instead of getting them a costly iPhone or Samsung Galaxy for over 1000 francs, consider simpler models with price tags of 200 francs or less. Many top phones can be purchased at a fraction of their original price tag several years after their initial launch, and these generally still deliver great performance.

Bear in mind that children are likely to damage delicate devices like smartphones relatively soon after getting them. Using affordable phones lowers the financial losses incurred by damages.

If your child is not mature enough to handle a smartphone, a simple mobile phone without Internet access for emergencies could be a sensible option.

3. Which mobile plan should I get my child?

Prepaid mobile services are often cheaper than mobile plans. Prepaid services also give you greater control over costs. You can find useful tips on how to choose the right mobile plan or prepaid offer for your child here.

4. What apps could benefit my child?

Tens of thousands of apps and even more possible use cases exist. Some of these are beneficial to children and families.

Examples:

• Family calendar apps help families keep track of appointments and family activities.
• School group apps let children track their school schedules and receive class memos right on their phones.
• E-learning apps help children gain knowledge in fun and playful ways.
• Messaging services (like WhatsApp) help children keep in touch with their classmates and family members.

5. What rules should I set?

Pedagogical experts recommend that you and your child agree to concrete rules governing the use of their smartphone. Here are some examples of points to consider when setting rules:

• How much time should my child spend on their phone?
• What times of day or week can my child use their smartphone?
• Should the child turn in their phone at certain times (at night, for example)?
• Should there be smartphone-free periods, or are there situations in which smartphones should be switched off?
• Should the child use their smartphone during meals?
• Should the child only use their smartphone under supervision?
• In which locations (home, school, while traveling) should your child use their smartphone?
• Should the child install apps on their own, or only with parental supervision?
• Which apps should your child use or not use?
• What should your child do if they are exposed to disturbing content?
• What steps should you as the parent take to control your child’s smartphone use?
• What costs associated with your child’s smartphone should they pay out of their own pocket?

There are programs and settings which make it easier to regulate smartphone use and stick to the agreed-on rules. Examples include Google Family Link (for Android-powered devices) and the parental control settings on the iPhone.

6. How openly should we communicate about Internet dangers?

It is important that parents communicate openly with their children about the potential risks and dangers associated with using smartphones and digital media.

Open communication will help children feel more comfortable with talking about sexting, online bullying, and other hazards which they may be exposed to by having a smartphone.

7. How should I deal with questionable content?

The Internet holds massive amounts of information, but a huge amount of that information is incorrect or not fully correct. It is important that you address this topic with your child. Teach them to take a critical approach when encountering information on the Internet.

The Internet is also loaded with images, videos and games which are not suitable for children. Encourage your child to tell you or another trustworthy adult when they encounter content which makes them feel uncomfortable or insecure.

8. Is malware a threat?

The risk of your child’s phone being invade by malware, viruses or trojans is high. Personal information, images and videos can be stolen from their smartphone and openly published by unknown parties. Invasive software may be used to lock them out of their smartphone and make it unusable.

Explain these risks to your child before they get their own phone. Teach them these tips to help them minimize the risk of malware:

• Do not tap a button without thinking first. Always think about the possible effect of clicking on an icon or button.
• Ignore messages or emails from people whom you do not know.
• Never click on a link in a message, SMS or email which asks you to update your account or profile and enter your login information.
• Never open email attachments. If you receive an email with an attachment from a friend but are not sure that they sent it, ask them whether the email came from them before you open the attachment.

9. How much personal information should I allow my child to share?

Children should never share personal information with strangers, apps or websites. Personal information includes their photos, name, age, address, phone numbers and personal preferences.

Make sure your children understand that the Internet is public and not private. Everything which they put on the Internet could be found and shared publicly at any time by anyone, anywhere.

As a parent, you should also be cautious about sharing information about your child online.

10. How much time should my kid spend on their phone?

Like adults, children can easily become overwhelmed by smartphones. The constant stream and information and the possibility of being contacted by anyone at any time can lead to stress. Expecting your child to always reply to your communications immediately is likely to generate a lot of stress in your child. Smartphones also have high addictive potential, and an addiction can result in your child neglecting their social circle, responsibilities and hobbies.

Before getting your child a phone talk with them about how much time they should spend on their phone and about topics like addiction and being constantly reachable.

11. What about sharing videos and music?

Uploading copyrighted music and videos to the Internet is forbidden in Switzerland. Consuming pirated content via downloading or streaming, on the other hand, is not illegal. Make sure you child understand that they should not share copyrighted videos, music and other content with other people over the Internet.

More on this topic:
Guide to mobile plans for children
Mobile plan and prepaid offer comparison