It’s holiday shopping time and what’s one item on top of nearly every kid, tween and teen’s wish list? A cellphone.
If you’re considering buying your child a new phone, whether it’s their first one or an upgrade, Cox Mobile is here to share some questions to ask yourself efore deciding which phone to purchase.
At what age should kids get a mobile phone?
A child’s first mobile phone helps mark their transition into a new phase, one that offers more independence but also comes with significant parental considerations.
According to research from Stanford Medicine, just over three in four of kids had a mobile phone by age 12.
Every child is different, so there’s no one-age-fits-all for their first mobile phone. Some kids take responsibility for the things they own from an early age, while others are more forgetful.
Timing also depends on how they’ll use the device. Some families may want their child to have a phone for safety purposes and to keep in touch with family or friends, while others may want to use it to play games or access social media.
Which features does my child need and which device makes sense?
Features depend on how your child will use the device – is it for safety purposes, to play games and connect with friends, or for directions when they’re driving to a school activity?
If it’s solely for parents and children to reach and locate each other quickly when needed, consider texting and video chat capabilities.
Is your child a new driver? You might want to upgrade their current phone with one that has GPS so they always know how to get where they’re going.
Do they love taking pictures and videos of their pets or during family vacations? Consider a phone’s camera quality.
Device size, price and specs are also prime considerations. Cox mobile phone offerings include everything from a 4.7″ iPhone SE to a 6.5″ iPhone 15 Pro to a 6.7″ Samsung Galaxy S24+ — with a wide range of features available, depending on the device.
What rules will you set and what parental controls do you need?
Make sure you establish phone rules that work for your family well before the gift is opened. Some common rules include:
• When and where your child is allowed to use their phone
• How many hours a day they can use the phone
• Permission (or not) for social media
• Where the phone is charged/stored at bedtime
Parental controls are another key consideration and may include restrictions on the type of websites your child can access, the ability to download applications and the amount of screen time they can have per day.
How should you manage the data needed to power the device?
If this line is a new addition to your plan, you’ll want to make sure your provider offers a family plan that works for you and your budget.
Do you prefer to pay for data as you go or pay the same amount every month?
Cox Mobile offers data plans for both scenarios. Choosing Pay as You Gig means you get more control over your kid’s device usage — you decide how much data to purchase, and you’re not paying for unused data. The Gig Unlimited plan provides peace of mind that your child can always access the apps and services they need.
What apps should kids have on their phones?
Common choices include secure messaging apps and locator apps that help parents find and connect with their kids. Games and educational apps are also popular, but remember: It’s up to parents to vet apps to know which ones to trust and which might not be appropriate for your child’s age.
There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a phone for your child and setting the rules around its use, but it’s worth taking the time to shop for a device that will be right for both of you.
