Whenever parents have to choose whether to give their child a first phone, they are always in a difficult situation of whether to purchase a kids phone or a standard smartphone.
Although they both have the capability to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and get on the internet, the differences run much deeper than that. The difference between the two is real in safety, control, and purpose.
We shall discuss the difference between these two kinds of phones and which one could be the better option for your child.
Purpose and Design
Phone security and ease are specifically developed in phone design among kids. They are designed in such a way that they satisfy the communication needs of a child without exposing him/her to harmful or distracting information. Such phones usually lack applications, do not have social media, and have simple applications that are user-friendly among younger users.
However, regular smartphones, on the other hand, are feature-packed and are designed to be used by adults and teenagers. They consist of app stores, cameras, browsers, and customization. Although that flexibility is ideal with adults, younger children who are not quite prepared to have all-digital autonomy may be overwhelmed.
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Parental Controls
One of the most significant variations between the phones of kids and those of ordinary smartphones is parental controls. Parental management features are already built into most of the kids phone, allowing the parent to see the calls made, their messages, and the applications they use. Others even permit GPS tracking, screen time restrictions, and school mode to limit distraction during studying.
Ordinary smartphones, however, would only give the parents the option of installing monitoring apps or changing the device settings manually. Tools such as Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time will assist, but are not as secure or as difficult to circumvent as the locked-down systems of children’s phones.
Internet and App Access
Internet access is highly blocked or even prohibited on a kids phone. It is communication and safety-oriented rather than entertainment-oriented. Applications such as games or video platforms are normally pre-approved and age-friendly.
An ordinary smartphone will provide unlimited internet, application stores, and social networks, which can lead to exposure of kids to unethical materials or online strangers. On the one hand, it promotes independence, but on the other hand, it requires responsibility and full monitoring.
Durability and Cost
Durability and price are other realistic variations. The phones of kids are usually harder and may be covered with rubber or water-resistant to tough usage. They are also considerably cheaper, thus replacing them in case they are lost or damaged is easy.
Ordinary phones, including iPhones or Samsung Galaxy phones, are costly and delicate. Repair or replacement costs may accumulate fast, and this may not be the best thing in the case of younger children who have yet to master the art of taking care of their stuff.
Education and Safety Features
Most phones of kids ‘ phones are constructed with learning applications, digital reading machines, or entertaining games of mathematics. They also tend to have SOS buttons, location sharing, and call restrictions so that the child can contact the parents during an emergency, and at the same time remain safe.
Even regular smartphones have unlimited educational opportunities, as well, but they should be used with a cautious choice of apps and rigid settings to prevent distractions and threats.
People Also Ask:
Can a regular cell phone for kids be made safe?
Yes, under the supervision of parental control applications and limited profiles, but still, it will not be as child-friendly and safe as a kids phone.
Are safe phone for kids worth it?
Definitely, they provide a good compromise between communication and safety, which is why they are the best choice for younger children who may not be ready enough to use all the features of a smartphone.
