6 Best Phones for Kids: Top Smartphones to Buy in 2024

Time for a little (safe and affordable) independence?

5 min read

February 13, 2024 - 10:46AM

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So, your child has reached an age where you've made that all-important, slightly terrifying but very exciting decision to buy them their very own phone.

There are plenty of reasons you might feel that your kid is ready - they're beginning to travel to and from school on their own, they're getting older and you're ready to entrust them with some independence, or you just want them to reap the benefits of an extra line of connection with their family and friends.

Whatever the reason, you'll find that the actual process of working out which of the zillions of phones is best for your child not so straightforward. So to help you out, we've eliminated the hassle and narrowed it down to these top-notch devices ranging from budget-friendly to super luxe, all of which are perfect first-timer devices your kid will love.

Motorola Moto G Power, $426.33, Amazon

Bestseller

Motorola Moto G Power

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

With all of the essentials in a compact and affordable package, the Moto power is one of the best budget phones on the market, making it a great choice for kids. The large battery offers as much as three days' battery life on a single charge, the 4G network connectivity offers speedy internet on the go, the 48MP triple camera takes high-quality photos, and the water-repellent design is ideal for any accidental spills or splashes. Basically, it's just a great phone at a reasonable price - so what more could you want?

Opel Mobile Smart Kids 4G Phone, $249, Harvey Norman

Best kid-friendly

Opel Mobile SmartKids Phone

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

This smartphone for kids has just come onto the scene and if you're looking for something that is super safe, then this might just be the one. With the aim of protecting kids, there's a host of safety features such as a GPS tracker, and SOS button and no camera function. You can see which apps have been downloaded and remotely restrict other apps plus you can set specific times and days that different apps can be used. You can also select who your child calls or receives calls from. The Opel Mobile has 4G capabilities and is powered by the Opel Mobile Guardian App, which can be downloaded for free. It has an easy set-up and comes with a sturdy case to protect it from everyday kid use.

Nokia 225 4G, $96.05, Amazon

Nokia 225 4G

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

The Nokia 225 4G is a basic phone with durable cover and an iconic old school design. It features separate function keys, perfect for little fingers, it has limited apps so you can control what your child is looking at and the battery is removable and long-lasting. A great phone for younger kids at an excellent price.

Apple iPhone 8 64GB Refurbished, $219, Dick Smith

For Apple Lovers

Refurbished Apple iPhone 8

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

If you're an Apple family through and through and you don't want your kids to stray from the brand, buying pre-owned is a great way to save some cash while still getting a great quality device. These ones are Grade A pre-owned, meaning that while there may be some minor signs of use, the working order is as new. The iPhone 8 may be three years old, but it's a sleek phone with modern features like wireless charging, a 12MP rear camera and 7MP selfie camera, 4G capabilities, and up to 40 hours of battery life.

Google Pixel 7a, $679, Amazon

Google Pixel 7a

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

If you're happy to spend a little more cash, the Pixel 7a is a great option from Google. It has 5G capabilities, easy charging, long lasting battery, a full HD+ OLED full screen display and a high quality camera. Overall, it's a solid performing, durable phone that will last kids for years and years to come, making it worth the investment. More importantly you can monitor their screen viewing through Googles family Link app.

Spacetalk Adventurer Kids Smart Watch 4G, $349, Big W

Spacetalk Adventurer Kids Smart Watch

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

If you've got a child between five and 12 who you want to stay in touch with without just handing over a distracting (and pricey) smartphone, this all-in-one 4G mobile and GPS tracker is a winner. We actually got this for our 11 year old before she started high school (and got her own phone) and it was perfect. There's no social media or open internet to worry about and you can see where your child is going and where they've been. And using an app from your phone, you can program your child's Spacetalk Watch with a pre-set list of contact for sending and receiving phone calls and texts. To top it off, it has an in-built fitness tracker with voice feedback so your child can monitor how much physical activity they're doing. A great device for giving your child a little (safe) freedom and a sense of independence.

One reviewer left the comment, "Great quality product for my 11yo daughter. It has been helpful to start to give her some independence & freedom. She also has seizures so it is great for her younger sister & friends / teachers to contact us quickly if needed using the SOS button."

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best to give a child a phone?

There's no right or wrong here, but the better indicator is whether or not your child actually needs one. If they're starting to spend more time at extracurriculars or on play dates without you, you may want them to have a way to contact you for your own peace of mind. And of course as they get older and become more independent - around early high school - they'll want a way to contact their friends outside of school hours - whether that's to discuss schoolwork or just to build their relationships! The exact age you buy them one is up to you and whether you think they're ready for the responsibility of owning a device.

What is a good first phone for a child?

For your child's first phone, we'd recommend choosing something that isn't too pricey so that you won't have a heart attack if they drop it! Even the cheaper choices are still packed full of high-quality features like HD cameras, large screens and long battery lives. That said, if you think your child can handle the responsibility of a top-of-the-line device, go for it.

While smartphones are the go-to choice for any mobile user, they aren't the only option for your child's first phone. There's plenty of modernised "dumb" phones on the market (AKA, the more old-fashioned designs with buttons, no touchscreen, and or little to no internet capabilities) like the Nokia Flip which are a great way to keep kids connected without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.

How do I make my child's phone safe?

There are a few ways you can keep your kids safe within the freedom of phone ownership. For starters, set up the device on your account if possible (or with a password that only you know), and make sure to turn off in-app purchasing to avoid nightmarish phone bills, and require a password for app downloads if you want to keep an eye on what games or media they're playing on.

Some phones or service providers allow parents to manage their child's phone from their own, but if not there are apps that can help - like Net Nanny or Google Family Link. Just make sure that you're transparent with your kids about what monitoring apps or control you have over their device, as well as your expectations of the responsibilities that come with their new phone - by being honest with them, you encourage honesty in return.

Looking for back to school essentials for your child? Check out our guide to the best laptops for school under $1000, the best kids raincoats, and the best backpacks for school. Ready to shop some more? Pop over to news.com.au and see what's on offer on our coupons page.