5 Mobile Gadgets for Kids (and Parents)

As a parent, making the decision to get your child a phone is a big step. You will no doubt have concerns about their privacy and online safety, as well as feeling like they are growing up far too quickly. But once you’ve given in and succumbed to their nagging, what mobile gadgets and apps are available to help them enjoy a mobile device without breaking it or accessing content they shouldn’t? Here is a short guide to help you help them. Sites like the NSPCC (National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children) also have some good advice about online safety for children.

1.Mobile phone cases

No matter what phone your child has, there will be a protective case that fits it. You might want to consider getting them a personalised case with their name or initials on it, particularly if they want the phone that other kids in their class already own! There are lots of fun themed options around, from TV and film character themes to animal shapes and educational alphabet letter cases. You can even get them one with a photo of the whole family on it.

It’s pretty much essential to get your child a case, otherwise you will probably end up with a smashed screen or a water logged phone that won’t work.

2.Apps like HomeHalo

Controlling the content that your child can access, particularly if they are still in primary school, is essential. There are still a lot of parents who don’t understand the dangers of the online world, or don’t have enough knowledge about the internet to prevent their child from doing something they shouldn’t.

Apps like HomeHalo, which comes with a web managed router, allow you to block certain websites, set time limits on internet usage and select different settings for different users. Although they are not cheap, you can choose to pay a one-off fee or a monthly subscription depending on your preferences. There are various parental control apps on the market to match different devices – so shop around before you make a final decision.

3.Interim devices

If you don’t feel your child is quite ready for that first phone, there are interim devices on the market that perform some of the functions that mobile phones would. Filip is a good example. It comes with a wrist watch that your child can wear to receive or make calls. You can restrict the accessible numbers via an app on your own phone. There is also a Smart Locater tracker, allowing you to monitor your child’s movements. Over and above this, Filip also has a handy time function – just like a standard watch.

4.Phone ledges with screen cleaners

You may or may not have heard of phone ledges. These nifty gadgets allow kids to stand up their phones at just the right angle to watch video footage. Most also have an inbuilt screen cleaner, meaning you don’t have to get them a separate cleaning cloth. The bright colours will appeal to your child, and they are an inexpensive addition to a phone.

5.Pillows that connect to their phones

Anybody who wants to help their child get to sleep at night, or introduce some quiet time into their day, should check out the pillow that allows you to plug their phone or music device into it. Your child can lie down and listen to a story or some relaxing music, which will hopefully help their sleep routine.

No matter what gadgets you get for your kids or how you protect them, the most important thing you can do as a parent is to monitor technology updates and talk to your children about their privacy settings. This should help them use the latest gadgets and connect with their friends safely.

Still intrigued? Find out more information about the mobile phones best suited to kids.