Tweens and teens often request cell phones for social purposes. Parents may give their children a cell phone for safety reasons and to keep tabs on the kids. The age of your child influences the cell phone selection process. For younger children, a phone with limited calling options is a suitable choice because there is less risk of exceeding call and texting limits. Older children are more likely to go for smart phones that make texting easier.
Step 1
Set a spending limit for the phone purchase. Narrow down the cell phone search based on the cost.
Step 2
Write a list of features and requirements you want in your child's cell phone. Consider how you expect your child to use the phone, whether she can call friends freely or only use the phone for emergencies. Determine if you want your child to have access to texting and Internet browsers from the phone.
Step 3
Visit a store location for your current cell phone provider for a hands-on look at cell phone options. Discuss your needs based on the list you created with a staff member who can point you to phones that fit your budget and needs.
Step 4
Discuss the cell phone plans available from the provider, which usually include pay-as-you-go plans and monthly plans with a set amount of minutes. You may also be able to add your child's phone to your current plan. Select the type of plan you want before deciding on the phone, as some phones may be limited based on the plan type.
Step 5
Test each phone by picking it up and trying the different buttons and functions. Let your child test out the phones to see which ones are easiest for her to use.
Step 6
Read the description of each phone to determine the extra features it includes, such as GPS tracking and multimedia capabilities. Refer to the list you created to determine which phone's features best match your needs and desires.
Step 7
Purchase the phone that offers the most of the features you want for your child while still fitting within the budget for the purchase.
Tips and Warnings
- Consumer Search recommends holding your child responsible for paying additional charges incurred from downloading ring tones, going over limits and other activities that your child chooses to do.
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