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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Kaycee Hill

How to set up your child's first smartphone (and keep them safe online)

Teenager looking at phone on a couch while her mother stands behind her.

Giving your child their first smartphone feels like a milestone, but it can quickly become overwhelming. Between choosing the right device, setting up parental controls, and teaching online safety, there are dozens of decisions that could impact your child's digital well-being and your family's budget.

The risks are real, even if they aren’t always obvious. Children who share personal information online may face identity theft that could affect them later in life. In-app purchases, if left unchecked, can lead to unexpected charges.

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