First phone for a 10 year old

Posted 24th Feb 2023

Hi all. Just wondered if there was any standout options for a first phone for a 10 year old.
Budget probably around £150 if necessary.
For messaging, watching YouTube and browsing.

Anybody suggest the best way to control or monitor the usage of the phone to protect what they might come across and time spent on the phone, parental controls etc.

Thanks all.

28 Comments

sorted by

smith2001uk
24th Feb
I haven't got a good phone to suggest. But if you don't mind are you going to lock it down or keep tabs on your 10yr old? (I'm coming up to this decision myself and wondered others ideas/opinions).

Thanks (edited)
kieferrocks
24th Feb
As someone else said on this post Google Family Link works well and I use life360 to track my daughter. I also do just generally chekc her phone when she is in bed to keep tabs on her.
hd321
24th Feb
I watched a horrible documentary on 4od following the police investigating a paedophile ring in Royal Brunei targeting British Children. Long story short. Don’t let your kids have a mobile when they go to bed. Check all the friends on apps are real people from school and clubs not friends of friends. Reiterate to them never to be frightened to tell you something if it doesn’t seem right or they are being blackmailed.
Don’t post their address or face etc when larking about.
Also don’t trust an image as it being someone in real life. Often people use stock or hack others social media accounts.
jameshothothot
24th Feb
Google family link works great on my son. He got his first phone 13 and I can see what apps he is installing or using and restrict (bit haven't needed to)

In terms of phones. Check our @MrSwitch redmi deals. Redmi 10c was 99 on offer a while ago. I got a mi 10t lite for £179 myself. So lots in this price range. (edited)
E_T_C
25th Feb
I would say go for a Redmi type Android phone or look for an offer from Mr Switch. As others have said keep the phone restricted with the options available via Google. Get a good screen protector, and a strong case as the phone will get dropped.

Others have said about the risks, and I would suggest educating all children about the risks of being online, it is not all bad but it is sensible to keep children and teenagers safe.
kieferrocks
24th Feb
I bought my daughter 2 years ago (who is now 11) a Samsung A21s. It has been discontinued now but I believe the lowest priced A series (I think A13 is the latest) Samsung are around that price. The A21s is brilliant the battery life is better than my Galaxy S20 and has a memory card slot to upgrade storage. Only let down is the camera but to be expected at the price mark. Hope this helps
Brightsideoflife Author
24th Feb
Many thanks for your comments, all appreciated
ijw0161
24th Feb
I'd advise not to give a 10 year old a phone. If you must then give them a basic Nokia that does calls and texts.
jamie15
25th Feb
If they are headed to secondary this year as OP suggests, then it makes sense why they are looking into it now with appropriate safeguards in place. (edited)
jamie15
25th Feb
For a 10yo if you do choose to buy a smartphone, £150 budget is a bit overkill. I would suggest getting an used Pixel 4 or 4a for around the ~£100 mark. A first phone at that age just for the basics shouldn't need anything more powerful than what a Pixel 4 is capable of.
squeakybot
25th Feb
Give them your old phone and treat yourself to a new one. Gave my son my Samsung A5 2017. Had it 5 years but still new condition. Got him a sim only deal for £6 a month. Just incase it got mistreated and smashed in a few weeks it would not matter. Mayb on his birthday or Xmas get him cheap new Samsung phone as he's looked after it. Using life360 and its great but sometimes it says he 2 miles away and he's been home the last 4 hours. (edited)
sm9690
24th Feb
iPhone probably has the best parental controls, but do you have an iPhone as well to be able to control/monitor it?
Brightsideoflife Author
24th Feb
Thanks, no don't have an iPhone. My current phone is a redmi note 10 pro.
adam.mt
24th Feb
If Android, then Google's Family Link works well and is free.
Brightsideoflife Author
24th Feb
Thank you. Yeah we've got android phones and devices. Will check the Google family link out as I've not heard of it before
Nad_84
24th Feb
I've got a 4 year old and i am dreading the day we have to get her a phone
Brightsideoflife Author
24th Feb
We were like that once, now that day has arrived
bargainhunter139
24th Feb
Personally get an iphone 7/8 as a start up phone. They have all the featured you need. Also can set parental control timers.
Cisco060606
24th Feb
Moto G62 5G
PAYG from Vodafone £129
vodafone.co.uk/mob…=ds

If you want iPhone, used iPhone SE 2020 is under 150.
But as a android user, I can't be bother to learn using iOS. (edited)
Brightsideoflife Author
24th Feb
Thank you, will check out the g62
fes37
25th Feb
No child should have a phone. These devices only develop bad habits and addictions. Only get one when absolutely necessary and only then keep it basic like an old Nokia. No smartphone type phones. Life is difficult enough wtihout bringing more unnecessary problems into your home (edited)
Mark_Hickman
25th Feb
This is very true, even though i myself use it all day long for work then at home etc...
The phone along with the internet is responsible for many big issues in the world today and has really just made the world a worse place (edited)