When a child gets to a certain age—usually around 10 or 11—they may start asking to get an iPhone®. However, how do you know when your child is ready for a new or pre-owned Apple® device? These days, technology is entering children’s lives earlier and earlier, but that might not be bad. In fact, a cell phone will allow you to maintain contact and keep a closer eye on your son or daughter. Use the following guide to determine if your child is ready for this privilege.

How Old Should Your Child Be When They Get a Smartphone?

Raising a child is never a one-size-fits-all situation—even within the same family. To find out when your children are ready for smartphones, you’ll have to assess their personalities, maturity levels, and behavioral patterns individually. Instead of focusing on a specific age, consider how well they take care of the gifts you give them. Do they easily lose these objects, or maintain them with care?

Also, consider whether your child is old enough to understand the concept of money. Even pre-owned Apple devices can be investments, and you don’t want your child to think they’re easily replaceable. 

Then, think about how your child might use a phone. Do they maintain their dignity in social settings, or do they tend to go with the status quo and succumb to peer pressure? In the latter case, they could be vulnerable to cyberbullying or phishing tactics. How does your child act when using other devices? If you have a hard time getting them to stop watching TV, using the computer, or playing a video game, they might develop an unhealthy attachment to an iPhone.

What Features Should the Phone Have?

If you decide that your child is ready for a phone, modify the settings or features to make the device age-appropriate. For example, children on the younger end of the spectrum—ages 7 to 9—might only need a phone equipped to make calls. For their safety and to save money, avoid a heavy data plan that allows for unlimited internet browsing. 

For tweens that want to text their friends and use social media, keep in mind that some apps—like Facebook® and Instagram®—require users to be 13 or older. If they’re of age to use social media applications, you can always customize the privacy settings to keep track of their posts and restrict them from using the apps at certain times. If your child has trouble breaking away from video games, configure their iPhone to ask for your permission whenever they download a new app. 

If you’re thinking about getting your child a smartphone, save money with a pre-owned Apple device. Experimax San Jose offers used iPhone devices, as well as iPad® tablets and Macbook® laptops. Should your son or daughter damage their device, they also provide comprehensive repairs. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (408) 320-4626 today.