Phones for kids and teenagers
From tech-savvy youngsters to first time users, we’ve got some great phones that can be tailored to their needs – backed up by advice to keep them safe. We’ll help parents, guardians and children with what can seem a daunting challenge – either finding the best phone for your budget or the right first phone or tablet.
For advice and guidance on your child’s interactions online and how to have meaningful conversations at home about phone and internet use, take a look at our Digital Parenting Magazine
Back to the future
Your kids won’t remember the Nokia 3310 from the first time around – but with a basic camera, FM radio and long battery life, it makes a perfect starter phone. And the sharp screen and traditional keypad mean it’s a simple, reliable way to stay in touch.
Keep tabs on them
The popular Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 comes with Kids Mode 4.0 – a good way to manage the content children can view, and set time limits. It makes sure your little explorers don’t go to places they shouldn’t online. A compact, styling and super – high resolution table, it’s ideal for sharing with the whole family.
The gamer’s choice
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S8 boast some impressive tech for gaming under their stylish surfaces – and can also be paired with the Gear VR headset and Gear 360 camera for even more entertainment. These are great mobile phones for teenagers who are independently-minded and comfortable with online activity.
First among equals
The Vodafone Smart first 7 is a great choice as an introductory smartphone for your child. The Smart first 7 is just 12mm thin and boasts an up-to-date design made of the latest materials. All this adds up to a modern looking affordable smartphone with all the features they need.
Mini but mighty
Affordable and compact, the Vodafone Smart mini 7 is a great kids phone that comes with a 4-inch touchscreen and Android 6.0 Marshmallow, giving them access to over 1.6 million apps in the Play Store. And thanks to the built-in GPS they can also share their location with family and friends.
Pay as you go, Pay monthly or SIM only plans?
Whether you have younger children or teenagers, you’ll want them to be safe online and you’ll want the best mobile phone deal. To help you decide, consider if they’re responsible enough to handle a mobile phone contract or whether it’s best to cap their usage with a Pay as you go package. You should carefully weigh-up which is right for your child and look at the advantages of both including:
Pay monthly plans for kids
Pay for the phone in instalments, usually included in the amount of the monthly bill
Usually come with a large amount of free texts and calling minutes
Review and monitor spending and internet activity
Offers peace of mind knowing your children will always have credit in emergencies
Pay as you go for kids
Stay in control by pre-buying amounts as needed, and help develop good spending habits
Make a one-off upfront payment for their phone
Flexibility to try and change different tariffs
Includes additional deal options like rolling 1 month and SIM only contracts
Hints and tips to help you choose
What are the best phones for teenagers?
Smart phone or something simpler? Take some time to think about how advanced you want your child’s phone to be. Choosing something basic like the Nokia 3310 as a best first phone might make better sense. They may want the latest popular gadget to keep up with friends, but what avenues will this open up, and are they child-friendly? Do your research so you can make an informed decision.
What’s the best phone for younger kids?
Pay as you go phones are a great springboard for youngsters, helping them to control their spending and usage. Big Value Bundles on Pay as you go give a specified allowance of data, minutes and texts that renews each month, with no danger of unexpected bills – a bit like pocket money for your child’s phone. Take some time to think about how advanced you want your child’s phone to be. For younger children, a basic starter phone, or easy to use phones with limited options might make better sense.
What’s the best phone plan?
Pay as you go phones are a great springboard for youngsters, helping them to control their spending and usage. Big Value Bundles on Pay as you go give a specified allowance of data, minutes and texts that renews each month, with no danger of unexpected bills – a bit like pocket money for your child’s phone.
All Big Value Bundles include Vodafone Total Rollover and Rewards points – two great features that encourage patience and long-term planning.
