The decision to buy a first phone for kids often comes with doubts and debates at home. Is it too soon? Will it be safe? What kind of device is best?
Today, the smartphone has become an omnipresent tool, but that does not mean every device is suitable as the first step in a child’s digital life. In this article, we share clear recommendations for families looking for a balance between autonomy, safety, and digital well-being.
Best age for a child’s first phone
There is no universal age that marks the exact right moment. However, digital education specialists agree that before the age of 10 it generally does not make sense for a child to have their own phone. From that age onwards, new needs often arise: extracurricular activities, moving around without adults, or more contact with friends outside of school.
For this reason, most experts recommend 10 years old as a minimum starting point when considering the purchase of a children’s phone. It is not so much a matter of fashion or social pressure, but of identifying whether the child truly needs a communication tool. It is worth remembering that a phone can simply be that: a device to make calls, send messages, and stay in touch. It does not need to include all the features of a conventional smartphone, which may be more appropriate at older ages.
In this sense, the first device should be a tool adapted to the child’s age, not a direct gateway to social media, unlimited gaming, or inappropriate content.
What the first phone for a child should be like
Choosing the first phone should not focus on technical specifications, but on functionality and safety. A good starter phone should allow simple communication without becoming a source of distractions or opening the door to digital risks.
Here are the key aspects to consider:
Ease of use
The first phone should be intuitive, easy to handle, and with clear menus. A child does not need a complex device or hundreds of functions they will not use. The simpler, the better.
Digital safety
It is essential that the device limits access to inappropriate content and prevents the download of unsupervised apps. The phone should not become a Trojan horse that introduces risks into family life, which is why many parents today look for a mobile phone without internet as a safe option.
No social media
Social media can wait. At early ages, what matters most is direct communication with family and close friends. Avoiding early exposure reduces social pressure and the possible negative effects on self-esteem.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that problematic social media use among adolescents rose from 7% in 2018 to 11%, and that such patterns are associated with lower mental and social well-being, as well as sleep issues, poor academic performance, and even higher substance use.
For all these reasons, delaying children’s entry into the world of social media is a key decision to protect their emotional development and foster a healthier relationship with technology.
Durability and resistance
Children do not always take the same care with devices as adults. A good kids phone should be sturdy, able to withstand accidental drops, and have a long-lasting battery.
Reasonable price
There is no need to spend a fortune. The value of a child’s phone is not in its camera or power, but in fulfilling its main role: safe communication. A mid-range price is usually the best option.
Balance between control and autonomy
The phone should encourage responsibility. It is not about constant surveillance, but about offering a framework of trust and clear limits. A device with an operating system designed for these needs greatly facilitates this balance.
Which phone should I buy for my child?
When choosing the first phone for kids, it is best to opt for a solution designed for families, combining safety, simplicity, and peace of mind. These are the three main alternatives within the Balance ecosystem:
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Designed as the first phone for kids and teens (from age 10 onwards).
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Free from social media, addictive games, and entertainment apps, while still allowing essential communication features like calls and WhatsApp. If you want to learn more about this type of option, you can read our article on smartphones with WhatsApp and calls only.
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Proprietary operating system, impossible to hack and requiring no complex setup.
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Ideal for giving children autonomy without exposing them to the risks of a traditional smartphone.
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Plug & play: turn it on and use it, with no arguments at home.
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An option for families who already own a compatible Samsung device.
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Transforms that phone into a simple phone for kids, with the same restrictions and benefits.
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Annual subscription with automatic updates.
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A flexible way to provide your child with a safe kids phone without buying a new device.
Ideal if you want to make use of a phone you already have at home.
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Premium version, based on a high-end Samsung device.
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Designed for adults who want a functional smartphone but free from distractions.
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Allows parents to set an example of mindful technology use.
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Same benefits: no addictive social media, no YouTube, no time-wasting games.
Perfect for parents who want to share the same digital philosophy with their children.
In summary
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For your child: Balance Phone (or Balance OS if you already have a Samsung) — both are great starter phones and safe options as a good first phone.
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For you: Balance Phone Pro, so the whole family models a healthier relationship with technology.
Are there basic phones for kids?
Yes, and they are a highly recommended option to introduce younger children to the digital world. These devices allow calls and messages but are free from social media, games, and addictive apps.
The Balance Phone is a clear example: simple in appearance, but designed with safety and digital prevention as a priority. This way, children enjoy autonomy while parents keep peace of mind.
