Beyond the practical and entertainment benefits of a mobile phone, for parents of primary school-aged children – and for the children themselves – it can provide a sense of connection and security. According to the latest research, parents’ main motivations are being able to reach their child when needed (69%) and ensuring that the child can call for help in an emergency (59%). Nevertheless, getting a first phone also marks one of the first steps towards greater digital independence. That is why it’s important for children to enter the mobile world step by step, with parental guidance and clear, age-appropriate rules in place.
Why is it good for children?
A first phone – primarily by giving parents greater peace of mind – can help children become more independent as they travel to and from school, attend extracurricular activities or spend time with friends, while still being able to stay in touch with their family whenever needed. The research shows, however, that children most typically use their phones for gaming (62%), taking photos and videos (50%), messaging (48%), and watching videos (46%). It is therefore best for children to engage in these activities with the appropriate level of parental supervision and control from the very beginning, starting with their first handset.
A mobile phone can also teach children responsibility: using, charging and taking care of the handset, as well as behaving appropriately online, are all skills they can develop gradually. Parental involvement and support can also help children learn how to safely manage the known risks of mobile use, such as unwanted calls and text messages, excessive screen time and more.
Why is it good for parents?
For parents, a child’s first mobile plan primarily means peace of mind. They know they can reach their child when needed, and that the child can call for help if an unexpected situation arises. Being connected digitally, however, requires awareness: the research shows that parents often significantly underestimate how much their children use online platforms such as YouTube, Messenger and TikTok. This makes parental control solutions increasingly important. Today, one in five parents also use technology to help their children follow the rules, while preparedness and regular conversations remain key. Yettel’s ProSuli programme also allows parents to assess their knowledge of responsible internet use. The related quiz is available by clicking HERE.
A prepaid SIM card is often the best choice for a child’s first phone
A first phone often comes with a first SIM card. For many families, a prepaid plan can be the ideal way to get started.
The benefits of a prepaid SIM card include:
- low upfront cost,
- easy-to-control spending, a monthly budget that can be set in advance,
- no contract commitment or long-term commitment,
- services that can be easily adjusted to changing needs,
- an opportunity to learn step by step how to use a mobile phone and, potentially, manage digital finances,
- helping children learn to manage their mobile budget responsibly.
As children grow older and use their handsets more intensively, a monthly plan as part of a family subscription can also be a good option.
According to the research, the proportion of children using their own smartphone increases significantly by the age of 12-14. For many families, this can be the point when it makes sense to switch from a prepaid SIM card to a postpaid plan.
Benefits of a postpaid plan for children – typically added to the family’s existing subscriptions – include:
- the whole family’s mobile services can be managed on a single bill,
- with Yettel, FULL benefits can be increased by adding more subscriptions,
- there is no need to keep track of balance top-ups or expiry dates,
- some plans offer larger or even unlimited data allowances,
- all family members can benefit from the same discounts and benefits offered by the operator.
A phone alone is not enough: parents play a key role
Alongside giving children access to digital devices, teaching them to use them responsibly is just as important. The approach behind Yettel’s ProSuli and TudatosNet programmes is that children need to learn not only how to use technology, but also to understand and follow the rules of the online world.
Giving a child their first phone is also a great opportunity to talk together about:
- the basics of polite phone etiquette,
- when it is appropriate – and when it is not – to use a phone,
- protecting personal data,
- the risks of interacting with strangers online,
- managing screen time responsibly,
- taking care of the handset and using it responsibly.
In summary: 5+1 tips for parents whose child is getting their first phone
- Start with the rules you agree on together. Discuss when and how much the phone can be used.
- Choose a simple, easy-to-manage plan at first. A prepaid SIM card can help keep costs under control.
- Set up basic safety features. These can include screen time limits, location sharing and content filters.
- Talk about online behaviour. Digital etiquette is just as important as good manners in real life.
- Teach your child to take responsibility for their handset. This includes using a protective case, setting a passcode, charging it regularly and using it safely.
+1. Stay curious about your child’s experiences with their phone. Encourage them to share their questions and experiences openly.
*The Ipsos KidComm study has been examining the media use, interests and lifestyles of children aged 8-14 for more than 15 years. The syndicated research aims to provide a comprehensive and comparable picture of children’s media environment, as well as the role of different communication channels and platforms. Data for 2026 were collected online between 28 May and 15 June 2026 via the Ipsos respondent panel, using a nationally representative sample of 1,059 children. Children and their parents took part in the research together by completing a questionnaire that took up to 25 minutes. Dedicated sections allowed children and parents to answer questions relevant to them. In addition to traditional and digital media use, this year’s survey also explored attitudes towards and patterns of use of artificial intelligence for the first time.