First phone for a child – when and which one?

Does your child dream of a phone? 🧒  Would you like to stay in constant contact with them, even when they are at school or playing with friends? A smartphone is a helpful device, but it should be tailored to the child's age and needs. 👪

When is the right time for a child's first phone?

The answer to this question depends on many circumstances. In truth, every child 🧒 will sooner or later become interested in a smartphone. 📱 The decision to buy a child's first mobile phone should be made by parents, considering their needs. A smartphone will ensure you are in constant contact with your child in case of many extracurricular activities or independent returns home. The prepaid offer from Vikingów is also a great option for first-time sleepovers or summer camps. 🤝

Typically, parents buy their child's first smartphone when they start first grade. Those who didn't decide then, usually do so the following year. 🏫 A phone for a first-grader is a good way to teach them to care for the device. You can teach a young child how to take care of their belongings by regularly charging it and handling the delicate equipment carefully to avoid scratches or scuffs. Most likely, your little one dreams of a super modern phone to show off to their peers. However, a phone for children should be practical and chosen according to their needs. 🤩

So, what should a child's first smartphone be like?

When looking for a device for a child, consider that it might get broken or lost. 🧸 That's why it's best to opt for a relatively simple and inexpensive model.

Key features of a child's first phone:

1. Ease of use, so your child can quickly call you or send an SMS.
2. Long-lasting battery, so you are always in touch. 🥰
3. Durability, meaning resistance to drops, breaks, or moisture. 💦
4. A relatively low price, as more expensive models might attract potential thieves.

What phone is suitable for an 8-year-old?

Opt for a not-too-expensive model that has a long-lasting battery, so the child can easily contact parents or grandparents. 🧓 An eight-year-old might sometimes forget to charge their phone regularly, and a long standby time will allow them to stay in constant contact with you. 💪 A child's first phone should primarily be practical.

The display size is also important. Phones with large screens are not ideal for young children as they will be too big for their small hands. A device with a screen diagonal of around 6 inches is a good idea. Consider models with a blue light filter to protect your child's vision. 👀 This feature is found in most smartphones. It works by reducing the intensity of the blue RGB channel using special sensors built into the screen. Cool colors stimulate the human eye, and the filter helps to reduce eye strain. It is also very important to help your child wind down before sleep and protect them from disrupting their natural sleep cycle. Taking care of their eyes from an early age is crucial and will help minimize the risk of dryness and burning sensations. 

What phone for a 10-year-old?

As the years go by, children's needs change. Older children use devices for different functions and are happy to use their phones for learning or developing their interests. 📖

Features of a good smartphone for a 10-year-old:

1. Larger display: the phone screen can be used for educational games or searching for information online.
2. Good camera: for many children, taking high-quality photos will be a priority. A modern camera can be a gadget for a budding photographer who wants to capture their interest in nature or animals. 🐕
3. Processor and RAM: applications and games require fast and reliable device performance.
4. Unique design: manufacturers offer smartphones in original colors. A green or purple phone is also a trendy gadget for children. 🤳 It's worth choosing the device's color together with the future user. 🧒 Giving a child the opportunity to choose and make independent decisions develops independence.

Prepaid phone for your child

The best option is a prepaid offer with no commitment, which means the freedom to choose the top-up amount or payment date. 🥳 At Mobile Vikings, you can buy a new number for your child (or transfer an existing one) and link it to your Viking account. In the app and on your Viking account, you can view your package usage history: the number of calls made and SMS and MMS messages sent. Clear reports will give you more time to watch football matches ⚽ or get emotional during your favorite series. 😢

Wondering how to choose a prepaid offer for a child? To start, you can opt for Solidny Match with a small GB package. If needed, you can share your internet package as part of the inter-Viking GB transfer. 🤗 This allows you to share 5GB from your account once a month. This should be more than enough for a newly enrolled student. For older children, an offer with a larger GB package will likely be better. Of course, you decide how large an internet package your child should have. Automatic top-ups will be convenient. Once you link a payment card, the offer renews itself every 31 days. This ensures that your chosen package will renew itself at the right time.

Pros and cons of a phone at a child's age

Does a young child really need a phone? One parent will say yes, and what the other says, well, we all know. 😁 However, parents decide how they raise their offspring. Although it doesn't hurt to ask wise heads about it. Unfortunately, educators' opinions on buying smartphones for children are divided. Many people point out the advantages of this solution, but also mention the disadvantages and potential risks.

Advantages of a phone for a child:

1. Responsibility: as we've already mentioned, remembering to charge the battery or taking care of the device is a valuable lesson and an introduction to adult life. 🗣️
2. Digital balance: you can teach even the youngest children to use their phones rationally and set a good example. Signing a pact with your child outlining smartphone usage rules is a good solution. ⚖️
3. Financial education: talk to your child about the costs associated with purchasing equipment or top-up fees. 💰
4. Constant contact with your child.
5. Learning to use emergency numbers. A child can help loved ones in situations requiring urgent assistance.

Potential risks:

1. Spending many hours in front of the screen. 📵
2. Exposure to cyberbullying and content inappropriate for children.
3. Addiction to the phone or social media.
4. Risk of child abduction and theft, especially of more expensive devices.

You can install parental control apps on your child's phone. This will help reduce the risk of threats and teach balanced internet usage.

As you can see – every solution has its pros and cons. A lot depends on your relationship with your child and what will be most important to you. It's worth discussing with your child how to safely use the device and the internet. Such lessons will not only help them wisely get acquainted with new technology and avoid dangers. And we will gladly welcome little Vikings on board. 🐣