Ofcom data shows that 97 per cent of British children have a mobile phone by the time they reach twelve years old. While getting a phone is now seen as a rite of passage for young people, it can come with several cost and safety concerns for parents. According to affordable SIM-only mobile operator spusu, there are four key considerations parents should bear in mind when it comes to choosing their child’s first phone.
Are they ready?
There is no ‘right’ time for a first phone — it’s ultimately down to parents to decide when they believe their child is ready. Many children receive their first phone as they transition to secondary school, a time when they begin travelling alone, managing homework schedules, or independently attending after-school activities. This independence often justifies the need for a phone.
However, data shows that phone ownership begins much earlier for some children. Ofcom reports that around a quarter of five-to seven-year-olds have a mobile phone, with this figure rising to 44 per cent by the age of nine. Despite these statistics, parents should ask themselves whether their child truly needs a phone and if they’re mature enough to handle the responsibility that comes with it.
As well as more obvious considerations like digital footprints, parents should also think about how likely their child is to misplace their device. According to a study by My Name Tags, a company that manufactures personalised labels for children, the average child loses 13 items annually. Parents should weigh the likelihood of accidental damage or loss when deciding whether to buy their child their first phone. A phone is more than a communication tool; it represents a step into the digital world that requires accountability and care.
What do they need the phone for?
Once parents have determined whether their child is ready, they should consider how they will use their phone. Is it simply for contacting family, or will they use it for activities like gaming, accessing social media, or streaming videos? The intended use will help narrow down the type of phone the child needs
While movements such as Smartphone Free Childhood have popularised the purchase of basic “dumb phones”, it’s worth noting that smartphones offer significant advantages, such as GPS tracking. This feature means that parents can use apps like Google Family Link to ensure their child arrives at their destination safely – crucial for peace of mind.
How can I protect them?
Safety encompasses both physical and digital aspects. Screen time, apps, and online behaviour are critical areas to monitor. Built-in safety features on smartphones, along with parental control apps like Norton Family, allow parents to restrict app usage, block inappropriate content, and set time limits.
Encourage screen-free moments, such as during meals or before bedtime, to establish healthy habits. The NHS recommends limiting children’s screen time to no more than two hours daily. Gradual reductions can help if they’re already exceeding this limit.
Another often overlooked aspect of phone safety is the physical side. Before giving their child a phone, parents should educate them on the dangers of using it while walking, especially near roads. Research by Direct Line shows that almost one in five young people who use their device while walking has experienced a road accident or near miss. By instilling awareness and caution, parents can help their children avoid these risks.
What is my budget?
The cost of a first phone can add up quickly, especially when factoring in monthly bills and accessories such as phone cases, screen protectors and earphones. Parents typically spend £254 on their child’s first phone, alongside an additional £14 per month on average for calls, texts, and data, resulting in considerable ongoing costs.
Decide whether you’ll purchase a new device or repurpose an old one. Hand-me-down phones paired with a SIM-only plan can be a cost-effective alternative to buying new.
SIM-only deals are particularly useful for first-time users. spusu, for example, offers flexible, budget-friendly plans starting from as little as £9.90 per month. Additionally, free roaming across the EU means that parents do not have to worry that their children will accidentally run up huge roaming fees for using their phone abroad.
When setting a budget, parents should also consider hidden costs like in-app purchases. Enabling parental spending controls on devices can prevent these unexpected expenses in widely used games such as Roblox and Fortnite. Having these safeguards help keep your child’s phone use affordable and manageable.
Choosing a child’s first phone is a decision that balances their growing independence with parental responsibilities. By considering readiness, intended use, safety measures, and budget, parents can select a device that meets their child’s needs while ensuring safety and wellbeing.
The brand was launched in Austria in 2015, in Italy in 2020, in the UK in 2023 and in 2024, spusu launched in Switzerland. The Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) started as a monthly mobile plan provider and has evolved to include broadband, mobile phones and even e-bikes. The company believes in fostering its talent and focusing on in-house development instead of outsourcing the work to external contractors. In Austria spusu won the best mobile provider in 2022 and the best customer support in 2021. The monthly mobile comes with many benefits, including 5G, inclusive EU roaming and international calls to the EU, as well as new tech like the eSIM.
For affordable SIM-only plans, visit spusu’s website. To learn more about spusu and its latest offers, visit www.spusu.co.uk
