Mobile phones for children - you should pay attention to this

Children want to be cool - a cell phone is a must. We reveal what you need to consider when you equip your children with cell phones.

Primary school cell phone: You should be aware of this

Even in primary school, the question arises whether or not to give the child a cell phone. A cell phone can give security to both the child and the parents.

• If you decide that your child can have a cell phone, you should first choose a simple and robust cell phone model - it can also be an old cell phone of yours.
• There are special children's cell phones, but they are often considered uncool and are much more expensive than simple cell phones from Nokia and Co.
• The cell phone should be easy to use. It is advisable to save important phone numbers as speed dials. This way your child can reach you or grandma quickly.
• Check the cell phone credit regularly so that your child can always make calls in an emergency.
• At this age, you should definitely use the prepaid card. This gives you full cost control and less stress because of the card if the children's cell phone is stolen.

Smartphones for teenagers - the best tips

If your children are a bit older, it doesn't take long before the desire for a smartphone is expressed.

• You probably can't avoid the topic for too long. Smartphones are hip and those who don't have one are often excluded.
• If you want to fulfill your child's wish, it should be something special and the wish should be fulfilled for birthday or Christmas if possible, since smartphones are not always cheap.
• It doesn't have to be the latest smartphone model. The previous models are often much cheaper and technically not much worse than the successors. Take a look at the smartphones with your child so that you do not make a wrong purchase.
• Regardless of whether it's a prepaid card or a contract: in any case, have the third-party provider blocked by your mobile operator. There is often advertising, especially in free apps. Once clicked on, a subscription could already be concluded. This is not always the case, but you should make sure here.
• A smartphone without internet doesn't make sense. Pay attention to the tariff - an internet flat rate should be included so that you do not have to pay a horror bill.

The new children's cell phone is here - and now?

If you have chosen a cell phone for your child, you should take a few precautions if necessary:

• Regardless of whether it is a classic cell phone or a smartphone - you should always follow our seven tips for a child-proof cell phone.
• You should set up parental controls on a smartphone. There are, for example, the Android apps "Child mode" or "Kids Place". With "My homepage" you even have a child-friendly internet browser. More information and tips on child safety can be found here.
• Smartphones can also be located with the right apps - how this works and what you should pay attention to can be found in the article.
• To treat your little one to something good right from the start, you should also take a look at the five best Android apps for kids.

Note: With the web app from netmoms all information for families on the go

With the progressive web app from netmoms, you can easily access information on the subject of offspring and family online. Whether on the desktop, with a tablet or smartphone, the app gives you access to the Internet portal on all devices.

• Tip: what are progressive web apps? We'll just explain that to you in this article.
• Note: Like CHIP, netmoms is a subsidiary of Hubert Burda Media

In another article, we will introduce you to the best cell phones and smartphones for children.