According to statistics from Ofcom, 24% of 5-7-year-olds now own a smartphone. This jumps to more than half of 8–11 year olds and a huge 98% by the age of 12.  

The need for a smartphone often comes with a milestone, such as the transition to secondary school. Managing after-school clubs and increased independence, including travel to and from school, means that many parents feel under pressure to balance their child’s safety, communication needs, and digital wellbeing. For children, the overwhelming desire is to use messaging apps to interact with friendship groups and coordinate social activities.

However, this digital access comes with concerns. We are constantly being warned about the dangers of social media algorithms and the prevalence of online challenges and online bullying. Simply handing a child a new device and hoping they won’t be exposed to anything negative is not realistic. So, what is the right approach?  

Below, we look at options available for parents in the UK who would like to give their child a phone but with limitations on what they can access and do online. 

Option 1: Parental Control Software with Advanced (paid) features 

Many parents opt for a normal smartphone, such as an old one they’re handing down, but purchase parental control software. This approach offers full smartphone functionality while maintaining oversight and restrictions appropriate for younger users.

Qustodio comes with a number of features such as: 

• Block inappropriate apps, games, and websites 

• A real-time dashboard to check your child’s activity timeline such as browsing history, YouTube views. 

• Set a screen time allowance for each day of the week 

• A location map  

• Check calls they’ve received and read text messages 

Not all features with this software are available with all iphones so if this is your requirement, check the details carefully. However for the affordable price, Norton Family has the benefit of being able to be used across an unlimited number of devices, so great if you have multiple children with devices. 

• Block unsuitable websites and content topics 

• Schedule specific times of the day or week each device can be used and how many hours a day can be spent on each device. 

• See the words, terms, and phrases your children are searching for. 

• See a list of the YouTube videos your children watch on their device and view a snippet of each video. 

• Supervise the apps your child downloads 

• Parents can help children take a break by locking the device 

• Map the location of their device. 

If you don’t feel good about reading your child’s messages, Kids360 may be worth looking at. The ethos behind this app is to encourage your children to learn good habits around their own screen time, whilst blocking access to any apps you don’t want them to use. 

Key features: 

• Location tracking 

• Kids can earn bonus screen time by completing certain tasks 

• Block all apps or set time limits 

• Both kids and parents can see how much time they have spent on an app  

Option 2: Free Parental Control Software

Microsoft Family is a really useful free feature for families, particularly if you already have devices using Microsoft. If you’re planning on using this on an Android mobile, we recommend thoroughly testing it first, as you may find some of the features are not quite as robust.  

Key features: 

• Apply screen time limits to devices, apps and games (not available on Apple devices) 

• Web, Search and Content filtering 

• Location tracking 

Key features: 

• Set daily screen time limits, including “school time” and “downtime” schedules 

• Set individual app time limits or unlimited time on educational apps like Duolingo or apps used for homework. 

• Block certain apps entirely 

• Block sites and require approval for new apps 

• Set up parental controls for Google-owned services such as YouTube and the Chrome browser. 

• Device location on the map 

• Get notifications when your child arrives at a set location or leaves it. 

• See the remaining battery on their device 

Option 3: A mobile network with safety features included

ParentShield is a mobile network developed specifically for children and unlike the software in the options above, the safety features are built into the network itself so there is nothing to download. 

It doesn’t block social media, or monitor online based messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Messenger but does have the option of purchasing a SIM card without data, or simply switching data off if this is a particular concern for you. 

Key Features: 

• Calls and texts are recorded and archived securely for 6 months. 

• Spending is contained – e.g. no “out of contract” premium numbers allowed, and daily data budgeting is available, so you won’t receive any surprise bills. 

• Timeblocking to control when your child can use data on their phone, make calls or use messaging apps. Only the home number and emergency numbers are allowed during blocked times and even if their allowance has been used. 

Option 3: Kids-specific smartphones

A relatively new idea to the market, expect to see more smartphones built for kids coming to the UK. This option could be ideal for parents who would like to gift their child a brand-new phone with safety features built in. 

Key features: 

• Create a ‘safelist’ of contacts which then blocks all spam or stranger communication. 

• Only certain apps are available through the platform via the Google Play Store (for example, there is no social media or web browser). 

• Parents can monitor texts and have visibility of call history. 

• Time schedules for specific apps 

• Location map along with alerts for when they arrive or leave a certain location. 

With Xplora, you purchase an HMD Fusion X1 phone that comes with no internet browsing and no social media by default. You can then adjust the settings in their Guardian app depending on what you would like your child to access. 

However, if you allow internet browsing, it’s unclear whether you can block access to specific websites. 

• Approve, block or hide apps 

• Location tracking with alerts when they arrive or leave a location 

• Limit calls and texts to trusted contacts 

• Select “School Mode” to ensure there are no distractions 

• Set time limits on apps e.g. they can only use Instagram for one hour a day 

Option 4: A Smartwatch

For kids who prefer not to keep a device in their pocket or are prone to losing items, a smartwatch may be a practical choice, although bear in mind they may still be expected to remove it within school. 

• Apple Watch SE with Family Setup – This allows children to have their own Apple Watch connected to a parent’s iPhone. You can then use Apple’s in-built screen time settings to set limits such as scheduling “Schooltime” when access to apps is blocked. You can also restrict who your child can communicate with. For more information: https://support.apple.com/en-afri/109036 

• Xplora Watches – as with their phones, these work by purchasing the watch, then subscribing monthly or yearly to the platform, although the subscription is a little pricier on the watch. There is no internet or social media, a fully controlled contact list, emergency SOS, GPS tracker, and 5MP camera. Due to the fun colours and simple design, this could be an ideal choice for primary school children who are just starting to find independence. https://xplora.co.uk/collections/kids-watches

Making the Decision 

Here are some considerations that you may want to discuss with your child before deciding on their device: 

• Are there group messaging or social apps that are important for your child’s social connections? 

• How do you feel about reading your child’s text messages and are they comfortable with you doing it? 

• How important is location tracking for your peace of mind? 

• What’s your budget for both the device and ongoing monthly costs? 

• Is it critical they have access to data or could they start with a ‘brick phone’ for making calls and texts? 

• Are they responsible with their belongings or would you feel more comfortable with them having a wrist device? 

• Can you discuss and agree on reasonable time limits for screen time to set expectations? 

There’s no universally right answer when it comes to your child’s first device. The best choice depends on your child’s maturity level, your family’s communication needs, and your comfort level with different technologies. 

You may for example, wish to start gradually, beginning with lots of restrictions and then easing off as they get older. 

Before you decide on a device, work together with your child to establish rules upfront so there are no tantrums about unexpected cut-off times or blocked apps. Agree to regularly review how it’s going and adjust when you feel the time is right. 

Remember that the decision isn’t permanent – the key is maintaining open communication and gradually supporting your child’s journey toward digital independence. 

Finally, ensure you understand your school’s policy on mobile phones and smartwatches as many will require devices to be turned off or stored during lessons.