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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Samuel Gibbs

From dumb phones to hand-me-downs: the ultimate guide to buying phones for kids

A 12-year-old school boy looks at a iPhone screen.
A 12-year-old school boy looks at a iPhone screen. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

As the schools go back, pressure mounts on parents to give their children their first phone. If you’ve decided the time has come, there are many options to choose from, whether it’s a smartphone, a basic handset, or an upgrade to something newer.

From the handset to the mobile service that goes with it, and from key parental controls to how well the phone fits with the devices you already use, here are some of the things you should know before taking the plunge – including which models are the best.

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