If you’re like most parents, your kids are probably pestering you for a new phone every time you turn around:  “So and so has a new iPhone or Droid – can I have one too?”  “I want a pink phone!  I want a purple phone!”

You get the drift – and you’re probably wondering just which phone to choose when it is actually time to make the decision.  Here’s a simple guide to choosing the best cellphones for kids.

Your Cellular Plan

Much of your decision is going to be based on who your carrier is.  If you are locked into a contract and you don’t want to pay to switch providers, then you can either add a line or switch to a new phone for your son or daughter.  The other option is to start a plan with a separate provider, or to go with a prepaid plan.

Phones for Young Kids

If you are a busy parent, and you want to be able to stay in touch with your kids throughout the day or have them call you when they are ready to be picked up from school or practice, then all they really need is a basic phone.  Kajeet, which focuses on cell phones for kids, is a good option.  This service has easy to use parental controls, offers unlimited text and picture messaging, and even has a GPS phone locator so you can find your child in a crowd or find the phone if it is lost.  The company has several models to choose from.

Phones for Busy Teenagers

A new smartphone might be a good idea if you have a trustworthy teenager who is capable of self-control.  You will want to look for an option that has some parental controls, and you will also want to be sure that the plan includes unlimited photo and text messaging.  Cell phones for kids in their teens need to include up-to-date technology, such as internet access.  Teens love to use Facebook, and by providing your teen with a phone that allows check-in via facebook, you can do two things at once: keep your teen happy, and know what he or she is up to.

The good news is that all this cutting edge tech doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.  Your current carrier may be able to help you find the right plan, or you can look into a prepaid cell phone plan that has been developed with your needs in mind.

Additional Considerations:  What to Look for in Kids Cell Phones

One of the biggest factors to look for in kids’ cell phones is durability.  You want to choose a phone that can stand up to heavy use and withstand the occasional bump or bruise.  Another factor is style – and even if you end up choosing a phone that isn’t exactly your child’s top choice, you can always pick up a new skin and other cell phone accessories to personalize the phone!

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Related posts:

1. Kajeet: Cell Phone Plans Just For Kids
2. Kid Friendly Cell Phones, Bringing Parents Control, Safety, & A Direct Link Their Kids
3. Most Kids Getting Their First Cell Phone at Age 12 Or 13
4. When is a Child ready for Their Own Cell Phone?
5. Cellular Phone Plans for Teens
6. Cell Phone Etiquette for Kids
7. Teaching Your Teen How to Use Their Cell Phones in an Emergency
8. Cell Phones In Schools – What You Should Know
9. Teenagers Text Far More Than They Call
10. Cell Phones and Children: To Buy or Not to Buy

Tags: Cell Phone Accessories, Kids cell phones, Parental Controls

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 7th, 2011 at 2:13 pm by Morgan Kennedy and is filed under Cell Phones. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.