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At some point the time has come: Your own child needs a smartphone - “Everyone else has one too!” Is usually the killer argument against which it is difficult to defend oneself.
Nevertheless, parents can consider a few things so that a cell phone does not become a time and cost trap for children.
At what age should children get a cell phone?
The question of when a cell phone makes sense for children depends on several factors.
Rigid age limits with regard to smartphone use are therefore hardly feasible.
Nowadays, many parents allow their children to use the cell phone at an early age, for example to play music, films or radio plays, whereby again it is important to choose the right children's headphones, which are characterized by a reduced volume level.
The great interest in the small screen is certainly instilled - after all, by constantly looking at it, we signal to the little ones that it must be something exciting that we like to be distracted by.
The media advisor initiative of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs "Look!"
recommends, however, that children up to the age of five should only be allowed half an hour of screen time occasionally.
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It becomes difficult for both parents and children when a large part of the school class already has a smartphone, tablet or even laptop and the pressure increases for the youngsters to be able to show one themselves.
According to the current KIM study, which deals with the media handling of 6-13-year-olds, one in three children now regularly uses WhatsApp to keep in touch with friends.
Many are now given a smartphone as a gift from the fifth or sixth grade, i.e. from the age of ten.
At this age, it can also be assumed that the offspring can already handle it responsibly.
Smartphones for children: it should have these features
Many parents are faced with the question: which smartphone should I get for my child?
The first cell phone in particular does not have to be expensive - flagship models from Apple are rather out of place here, an inexpensive entry-level model or the worn-out cell phone from mom or dad would also do - a button cell phone with WhatsApp would also be an option.
The following tips will help you choose the right cell phone for kids:
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So which cell phone is suitable for children?
With the Gigaset GS180 entry-level smartphone *, parents are definitely making a good choice: With its comparatively low price, you can get over it if it breaks or gets lost in everyday life.
In addition, with a display size of only 5 inches, it is safe to use with children.
The mobile phone can be used without a contract and, thanks to the Android operating system, it can be adapted to the needs of children - the Google Play Store can be given a secret password so that no unwanted purchases are possible.
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Cell phone for children
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Children's cell phones from 6 years of age: a sensible introduction to digital life?
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a children's mobile phone from the age of six, the Vtech - Kidicom Max * could be of interest: It is a sensible alternative to the correct smartphone, especially for children of primary school age.
The Android-based mobile phone has a messenger function that works via WLAN, a rotating camera and a preinstalled child-safe web browser.
In addition, the mobile phone delivers apps with educationally valuable content.
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Cell phone for children
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Children from the age of six who, on the other hand, should have a cell phone for emergency calls and SMS, can use the Nokia 3310 *.
The affordable phone is equipped with the most important functions and even offers a 2MP camera, several games, a radio and MP3 player function, as well as a flashlight and an alarm clock.
The particularly long battery life is also noticeable in everyday life.
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Cell phone for children
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Cell phone for 10 year olds
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With increasing age, the demands on a smartphone increase with children.
The Blackview A60 * without a contract is an inexpensive option for parents: the 6.1-inch mobile phone has a dual camera, the 16 GB memory can be expanded to 128 GB, so that there is space for many videos and photos.
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Cell phone for children
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But the Samsung Galaxy A51 * with a 48 megapixel main camera and a total of 5 lenses, a fingerprint sensor and an almost borderless display meets all the requirements of an entry-level mobile phone for children and young people.
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Cell phone for children
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Children's cell phone with location
Always knowing where the offspring is - this desire also induces parents to get their children a cell phone.
If it is not enough for you to be able to reach your children by phone, you can also use certain apps to call up the smartphone's location activity.
The Ulefone Note 7 *, for example, is suitable as a children's mobile phone with location: It has a GPS tracker and, thanks to the installed Android operating system, allows the use of all popular apps from the Google Play Store.
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Cell phone for children
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Thanks to its good price-performance ratio, it is also suitable as a children's mobile phone: the Huawei Y7 *, which, in addition to GPS functionality, also has an excellent camera and a brilliant display.
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Cell phone for children
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Apps such as “Find My Kids” allow parents to check where the children are on their own smartphone or laptop.
However, it is important to consider how much control really needs to be.
After all, it is also important to convey to your own child that you have confidence in them.
In addition, it is unclear which user data such apps save - the programs may also save the children's movement profiles and sell them to third parties.
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This article was first published in June 2019.