Choosing the right mobile phone for your child

  
     
  By: IRMGARD DOERSAM  
 

As the cost of owning and running a mobile phone has come down, the number of youngsters who own their own mobile phone has increased. Parents feel that it offers added security and children enjoy being able to utilise this new technology.

So many youngsters now use mobile phones that mobile phone producers now design and create mobile handsets designed to meet the specific needs of parent and child. Some have bright designs that children love, while most also include parental control options and added security functions.

For younger children, buying them a mobile phone that has been designed specifically for their age group will often mean that they get a phone that is easier for them to operate. For an older child, you may want to consider buying a more standard phone design, adjusting parental controls to make sure they cannot access anything that you do not want them to online for example.

Before you go out and purchase a mobile phone for your child, have a chat with them about what kind of features they would ideally like to use on a mobile phone. A whole range of features and functions are now available, such as built in cameras and MP3 players, internet access and video recorders.

Look out for phones that come with extra security features aimed at protecting children. A particularly popular feature among mobile phones that are created for children is GPS tracking ability. This allows you to see on your computer or on your own mobile phone exactly where your child is thanks to a chip located within their mobile phone.

Children are often more likely to damage, lose or break their mobile phones than adults are, but you can protect against this. Opt for a phone that comes with a rubber grip outer layer or is made from reinforced plastic to prevent breakages, or invest in a protective case or holder for their phone that can attach to a waistband.

Most child friendly mobile phones come with some form of parental controls. These can be used to restrict phone usage to certain times of day, or to prevent the phone from being used to make calls to, or receive calls from, numbers that you have not authorised.

Pay monthly contracts with usage restrictions are available, but by far the most popular tariff option for parents buying a phone for their children is the pay as you go deal. This way your child cannot run up a large bill as when their credit runs out, they can no longer use the phone until it is topped up again.
  
  Article Source: http://yourfinance.co.za   
     
 
About The Author
 		  
     
 
More Articles about: Wealth-Building
 		  
 
  • 3 Simple Tips On How To Attract Money And Fatten Your Wallet
  • TAG: 3 Simple Tips On How To Attract Money And Fatten Your Wallet

  • Financial Worries
  • TAG: Financial Worries

  • The Importance Of Currency Trading Information
  • TAG: The Importance Of Currency Trading Information

  • How To Have A Millionaire Mindset
  • TAG: How To Have A Millionaire Mindset

  • How to Spend 100% of Your Time On High Value Activities
  • TAG: How to Spend 100% of Your Time On High Value Activities

  • The Difference Between Cheap And Free
  • TAG: The Difference Between Cheap And Free

  • Some Ways To Start Preparing For Retirement
  • TAG: Some Ways To Start Preparing For Retirement

  • Recession Not Over Till It's Over
  • TAG: Recession Not Over Till It's Over

  • Industry Services And Building Services
  • TAG: Industry Services And Building Services

  • Tips to Building Wealth and Goodwill
  • TAG: Tips to Building Wealth and Goodwill

  • Credit Cards A Powerful Wealth Tool
  • TAG: Credit Cards A Powerful Wealth Tool

  • Top 5 Asset Management Trends for 2010
  • TAG: Top 5 Asset Management Trends for 2010

  • The Biggest Lie Ever Told About Wealth
  • TAG: The Biggest Lie Ever Told About Wealth

  • Personal Muscle Building Workout
  • TAG: Personal Muscle Building Workout

  • Find The Residual Income Builder Best Suitable For You
  • TAG: Find The Residual Income Builder Best Suitable For You

     
    		•   
         
         
      © 2012 yourfinance.co.za