The gleaming screen of an iPhone has become a near-universal desire for everyone. Even our smallest kiddos can’t seem to stay away from the enticing glow of the screen. As a parent of children and teens, you’ve likely wondered if you should give your kid a smartphone – and if so, is an iPhone the right choice?
It’s a tough balancing act. On one hand, you want your children to have access to technology that helps them stay connected and learning.
On the other hand, you’re right to be concerned about whether putting such powerful technology in such small hands could be too much, too soon.
“Should I Get My Child an iPhone?”
It’s a question that sparks debate among parents, educators, and online advocacy groups. The reality is that there’s no universal “right” answer to the question.
The decision to purchase an iPhone for your child involves weighing numerous factors: their age and maturity level, your family’s communication needs, the increasing role of technology in education, and your ability to set and enforce healthy boundaries.
What makes this decision particularly challenging is that iPhones aren’t just phones. They’re pocket-sized supercomputers with access to virtually everything the internet has to offer – both wonderful and concerning.
Let’s look at some of the factors that could go into your decision-making on whether or not your child should have an iPhone – and if so, which models might be the most appropriate for their age range.
When Should a Child Get Their First iPhone?
Before we even start to look at the best iPhone models for kids – we need to look at when a child should get their first phone.
Recent studies point to most children getting their hands on a smartphone somewhere between age 10 and 13 – typically around the age that they begin participating in school activities or team sports that require communication with parents.
While each family has their own criteria for when a child may be “ready” for a smartphone, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
What Is Your Child’s Age and Developmental Readiness for a Smartphone?
Most child development experts suggest waiting until at least middle school (around ages 11-13) before introducing a full-featured smartphone like an iPhone.
At this age, children typically begin developing the cognitive abilities needed to understand digital citizenship concepts and the potential consequences of their online actions.
What Is Your Child’s Maturity Level?
While a child may say they are ready for a smartphone, maturity varies significantly among children of the same age.
Look for signs that your child can handle responsibility:
- Do they generally follow household rules?
- Do they take care of their belongings?
- Can they regulate their emotions when frustrated?
If your child can consistently demonstrate these qualities, may be ready for the responsibility an iPhone brings – and ready to communicate with you as the risks of having a smart device arise.
What Is Their Current School and Social Environment?
If most of their peers have phones, your child may feel left out of social planning or group activities organized through messaging apps.
You’ve probably already discovered that many schools are using mobile technology for assignments and communication – making a smartphone potentially beneficial for educational purposes. Whether it’s a tablet or a phone, children are increasingly expected to have access to some type of device.
What Communication Needs Does Your Family Have?
The ability for children and parents to communicate is one of the most common reasons for giving a child an iPhone or similar device. As they age, children become involved in more activities, and friend groups grow – making it more important for them to have easy access to reach you.
For divorced parents, children involved in multiple after-school activities, or families with busy schedules, an iPhone can keep everyone in contact regardless of their circumstances.
iOS vs Android: Why Choose an iPhone for Your Child?
Once you determine that it may be time for your child to have a smartphone, the next question is which one?
While there are a variety of mobile phone options available, the smartphone market is dominated by two main operating systems: iOS (Apple) and Android.
Apple’s iPhones come in a variety of sizes and styles, but most are similar in functionality. Android phones offer many more options, making choosing the right one a bit more complicated. Here are a few of our top considerations between the two:
Apple’s Ecosystem Provides Advantages For Family Management
The Family Sharing feature allows parents to approve app downloads, share purchases across devices, and locate family members—all in one integrated system. This streamlined approach means less technical hassle for parents who may already be overwhelmed by the prospect of managing a child’s digital life.
iPhone’s Built-In Screen Time Controls Offer Great Parental Oversight
Parents can set app limits, restrict content by age rating, schedule downtime periods when only approved apps function, and receive weekly reports on device usage. While these controls aren’t perfect, they provide a solid foundation for digital parenting right out of the box.
Security and privacy often tip the scales toward Apple.
Unlike Google’s advertising-focused approach, the company’s business model doesn’t rely heavily on data collection. Apple’s strict app review process and “walled garden” approach mean fewer security risks from malicious apps.
While Apple still collects and uses consumer data, you’ll find that much of your child’s data stays within the Apple ecosystem.
The App Store’s curated environment provides another layer of protection.
While the Google Play Store offers more free apps, Apple’s stricter approval process helps filter out low-quality or potentially harmful applications. This can provide parents with greater peace of mind when children are browsing for new apps to download.
Integration with existing family devices is a big deal.
When talking with families, we often hear that they go with iPhones because it makes things easier! Features like iMessage and FaceTime become valuable tools for family communication, while shared Apple IDs can simplify sharing photos, calendars, and other personal information.
But buyer beware: iPhones have drawbacks – such as higher costs and fewer customization options. Many families find the premium price justified by the comprehensive parental controls, security features, and simplified management that iPhones provide for young users.
Which iPhone Model is Best for Kids?
So, once you’ve decided to buy an iPhone for kids, which is the right model to choose from? Apple releases new models almost yearly – with options ranging in cost and performance, as well as the size of the phone.
Picking the right iPhone for your child requires that you look at the cost, durability, and features to meet your kid’s needs. As of early 2025, here are some of the top options available:
Budget-Friendly iPhones for Kids
iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e, released in February 2025, has quickly become the go-to budget iPhone for kids.
Coming in at $599, it’s significantly less expensive than flagship models while offering modern features like a 48MP camera, Face ID, and Apple Intelligence compatibility. Unlike the older iPhone SE (2022) it replaced, the 16e has no home button and features a more modern all-screen design.
Refurbished iPhone 14
For those looking for even more affordable options, refurbished iPhone 14 models have become excellent value choices. Starting around $500-550 for certified refurbished units, they offer solid performance, good camera quality, and the newer safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection without breaking the bank.
Durable iPhones for Kids
Durability is probably one of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing an iPhone for children.
iPhone 15 & iPhone 16
All current iPhone models feature IP68 water and dust resistance, so you can trust that they’ll survive accidental spills or brief submersion in water or rain. The iPhone 15 and 16 series models include Apple’s Ceramic Shield front glass, which the company claims is 4x more drop-resistant than previous generations.
Regardless of your child’s age, investing in a rugged case is also important. Look for cases with reinforced corners and raised edges to protect against inevitable drops.
iPhone Storage Needs
When it comes to storage, you may want to avoid the entry-level 64GB models if possible. Between photos, videos, games, and all those educational apps, children can quickly fill this space.
The 128GB tier represents the sweet spot for most kids, offering enough space for their needs without unnecessarily inflating the price.
For teens who take lots of videos or download many games, 256GB might be worth considering, especially if you plan for them to use the phone for several years.
iPhone Sizes for Smaller Hands
What if you need a phone that will actually fit in your child’s hands and pockets? Some of the latest smartphone models are huge – ranging from 13 inches corner to corner to 15 inches in some larger (almost small tablet) sizes.
- The iPhone 16e and standard iPhone 16 (6.1-inch display) offer a great balance between screen size and usability.
- The discontinued (but still available in resale) iPhone 13 mini (5.4-inch display) is another excellent option for very small hands.
Larger models like the iPhone Plus or Pro Max variants may be unwieldy for younger children, though they could be appropriate for teens who watch a lot of videos or play graphics-intensive games.
iPhone Model Comparison for Kids
| Model | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price Range |
| iPhone 16e | Newest budget option; Apple Intelligence compatible; Modern design | Still relatively expensive for a “budget” phone | Older children/teens who want modern features at a lower cost | $599+ |
| iPhone 15 | Great value; Dynamic Island; USB-C; solid camera | No telephoto lens; 60Hz display | Pre-teens and teens who need a reliable, modern phone | $699+ |
| iPhone 14 | Excellent value; Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection | No Dynamic Island; Lightning port | Budget-conscious families who still want good features | $599+ (new) $450+ (refurb) |
| iPhone 13 | Further discounted; still runs iOS 18 | Aging processor; Lightning port | Elementary-aged kids getting their first phone | $350-500 (refurb) |
What iPhone Models Should You Avoid?
Like any technology, the older it gets, the cheaper – but that cheap iPhone from 5-6 years ago may not be worth the low price.
As of 2025, avoiding any iPhone older than the iPhone 12 series is wise. They’re approaching the end of their software support and may not receive iOS 19 when it releases in the coming year. The iPhone 11 series and older have already started to miss out on some newer iOS features and will become increasingly difficult to keep working.
Settings and Parental Controls To Set Up
Once you’ve selected the right iPhone for your child, properly configuring parental controls is crucial for creating a safe digital environment. Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature provides a solid foundation for monitoring and limiting your child’s device usage.
Setting Up Apple Screen Time
Setting up Screen Time is straightforward: navigate to Settings > Screen Time and select “This is My Child’s iPhone” during initial setup.
This automatically creates age-appropriate restrictions, which you can customize to fit your family’s specific needs. Secure these settings with a dedicated parental passcode different from the device’s unlock code.
Set App Limitations and Content Restrictions
App limitations and content restrictions allow you to filter inappropriate content based on age ratings.
You can restrict specific apps, explicit music, and adult websites, and you can even limit which contacts can be added to the device. Under Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can also disable features like location services, camera access, or in-app purchases, depending on your child’s age and maturity level.
Set Up Communication Limits and Controls
These settings let you control who your child can communicate with during allowed screen time and downtime hours. You can restrict communications to only contacts in their address book or even specific family members for very young children.
Enable Location Sharing
Location sharing setup through the Find My app allows you to track your child’s iPhone wherever it may be (as long as it’s on and connected).
Enable “Share My Location” and add family members who should have visibility of your child’s location. You can also set up notifications for when they arrive or leave specific locations like school or home.
Consider Third-Party Parental Controls
While Apple’s built-in controls are robust, Kidslox enhances these protections by offering more granular control over screen time and access to features that Apple’s Screen Time features may miss.
Among a full suite of parental controls, Kidslox offers multiple customizable profiles for different situations (school vs. home), web content notifications, and the ability to pause device access when needed.
Is Your Child Ready For An iPhone?
It’s never an easy decision to make – and once you do, your child will be given a device with more technology packed in than existed on the first moon lander! But with the right tools – and some resources to help educate them on digital safety and literacy – you can trust that they’ll make the most of their device.
Remember that the iPhone itself is just one part of the equation. The boundaries you set, the conversations you have, and the example you model with your device usage will impact your child’s relationship with technology. Use the introduction of an iPhone as an opportunity to discuss digital citizenship, online safety, and responsible tech habits.
As they demonstrate responsibility, you can extend their privileges and freedom. The goal isn’t to monitor their every digital move forever – but to help them develop the skills to navigate the digital world safely and wisely on their own.
Want to learn more about creating healthy tech habits for you and your family? Kidslox has all the resources and guides you need to create a safe and iPhone-friendly home for your kids. Check out Kidslox for more on parental controls – and put the power of the latest technology safely in your hands.
