How to handle your first smartphone wisely: 5 essential tips for parents

Choosing your child’s first smartphone is not an easy decision. We have put it off for as long as possible, but at some point you can’t avoid it… When is the right time? Which functions are important? And how do you ensure that your child uses a phone safely and responsibly?

Don't worry! In this article, we'll help you get started with the best smartphones for kids in 2025. From affordable and sturdy models to smart parental control options. Plus, we'll give you a handy tip: a sim only kids subscription can be the solution to limit costs and keep control of phone use. Read on quickly and discover which phone suits your child best!

How to handle your first smartphone wisely: 5 essential tips for parents

First things first: a smartphone can be super handy, but it is also important to set boundaries and teach your child how to use it wisely. With these five tips you can keep the use safe, responsible and within limits:

1. Agree on clear rules – How long is your child allowed to use the phone? What is it allowed to be used for? Set clear rules together and be consistent in them.
2. Enable parental controls – Many smartphones (such as those from Apple) have built-in parental controls. These allow you to limit screen time, block apps, and monitor usage.
3. Make agreements about social media – Discuss the risks of online contact and cyberbullying. Make sure your child knows what is and is not safe to share. Let them watch Social Dilemma on Netflix first. If you think they are too young for that, why are they old enough for a phone?!
4. Encourage offline time – Balance is key! Agree on times when the phone is off, such as during mealtime, homework and before bed. Preferably do not leave the phone in the bedroom. The sooner you agree on this, the better.
5. Be a good example – Children copy behavior. Use your own phone consciously and show that screen time is not always necessary.

By applying these tips, you ensure that your child uses his or her smartphone responsibly. This way, it remains a useful tool and not a source of frustration!

Take out a SIM-only subscription for your child

In this article we will give advice on which smartphones are great for children, but it is also important that they can make good use of their phone. A sim only kids subscription is therefore recommended. With this they are always online, as long as they do not use more GBs than is possible due to the data ceiling that you can enable with Youfone. The sim only kids subscription also ensures that your child can always call or text you, which is nice for you as a parent, but also for your son or daughter. So always take out a sim only subscription for your child, regardless of which smartphone of the following options you give him or her.

Xiaomi Redmi 10

The Xiaomi Redmi 10 is a great value for money phone with a high-quality camera, super-fast and convenient charging time, plus a sleek and lightweight look and feel. It’s a brand that’s not so well-known in the Netherlands, but consumers are impressed with the phones’ high-tech features and durability for a relatively low price. If your child enjoys listening to music or watching movies on their phone, they’ll be happy with the sound quality coming from the dual speakers. Additionally, the Redmi 10 has Adaptive Sync, a premium feature that means functionality is fast and interference-free.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

If your child is keen on an iPhone, you might be a little wary of the price. But the SE (2022) model is the best Apple phone for kids: a fantastic entry-level iPhone for older, less clumsy children and teenagers, with easy-to-set parental controls for peace of mind. It has all the great features you'd expect from an iPhone, including a superb camera, snappy processing speeds, and a bright, clear screen – all without costing the earth. It also comes in a compact handset that's ideal for smaller hands to hold.

Samsung Galaxy A13

The A13 is the best Samsung phone for kids because it has a lot of impressive features and apps , is robust and durable, and comes with a three-year warranty. It’s an entry-level Samsung, so it’s affordable but still looks sleek and feels lightweight. The camera and video quality are impressive, and it’s easy to set up and use. It has excellent reviews thanks to its fantastic 6.6-inch screen, which is ultra-sharp and bright for watching movies and playing games. Reviewers also think it’s great value for money.