First Phone for a Child: What Parents Should Consider

A first phone is both a service decision and a family-management decision. Consider reliability, cost, device durability and parental controls before choosing.

Start with the purpose

Decide whether the phone is mainly for communication, location coordination, school activities or broader smartphone use.

Consider the device separately

A child may not need the most expensive device. Compare replacement cost, durability and whether an existing family phone can be reused.

Ask about adding a line

When reviewing wireless options, compare the incremental cost of adding the line to the family’s existing setup versus other available arrangements.