Here’s the reason we chose an iPhone for kids vs Android.
When the time comes to buy your kids a phone, there are a lot of questions on which type of device to buy. Here’s the story of why we gave our kids iPhones at a young age and why we chose the phones we did.
Giving Kids iPhones
I went back to work full-time, my husband also works full-time, our older kids ride buses to and from school. I feel like our family is in a constant state of motion. I recognize the kids are growing up – but trying to keep up with it all has been quite humorous.
Android vs Apple
Trying to find some sanity (and know where are kids are or need to be when) we quickly realized that it maybe time to get the kids phones. Now came the question of do we buy Androids or iPhones for kids?
I’ll jump to the conclusion, we chose the Apple iPhone. From saving money by passing down phones to the Apple family access features, read more on why we chose to get the kids iphones.
5 Reasons We Chose iPhone for Kids vs Android
If you are thinking about giving your kid an iPhone, here are 5 reasons why it’s a good idea:
1. Hand Me Down or Used iPhones
When deciding between an Android and iPhone for kids, one immediate factor was cost savings. Call this girl math or whatever, but by passing down on our old iPhones (yes, we did get phone upgrades) – we weren’t out of pocket for the kids phones.
We did end up replacing both batteries (which now makes me super jealous of their 8+ hour battery life) with after market iPhone 5 batteries that cost us under $20 each.
If you are buying your teen an iPhone, they won’t want to hear this but this mama will give it to you straight. Your kid doesn’t need a new iPhone. If you don’t have a hand me down iPhone to give to your kid, find a Used Apple iPhone.
2. Find My iPhone
I’ve mentioned this before, you must use Find My iPhone. It is by far my favorite feature on the iPhone. You can track your kids whereabouts, track down missing phones, get your kids’ attention by playing a noise of their phone.
We’ve only had one instance of a lost iPhone, but thanks for Find My iPhone, it was just buried in between our car’s seat. Read our post on using Find My iPhone.
3. Family App Sharing
Another reason we chose iPhone for kids vs Android is the Apple Family app sharing program.
Rather than every family member having their own Apple ID’s with credit cards attached to each, you all share an account – BUT you each get your own Apple ID. This has been a God send – we can all share apps – and my favorite part? The kids have to ask for approval for any app downloads.
Here is how the gist of how Apple Family App Sharing works – in Apple’s words, not mine:
With Family Sharing, family members get immediate access to each others music, movies, TV shows, books, and apps, and can download them to their own devices any time they like.*
And if you are like me and WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE * MEANS:
*Not all content and content types are available in all countries. To share purchased content, all family members must use the same iTunes Store country or region. Music, movies, TV shows, and books can be downloaded on up to 10 devices per account, five of which can be computers. Apps can be downloaded to any devices the family member owns or controls.
Family Sharing requires a personal Apple ID signed in to iCloud and iTunes. iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite are required to set up or join a Family Sharing group and are recommended for full functionality. Not all content is eligible for Family Sharing.
Content can be hidden by family members; hidden content is not available for download. Content downloaded from family members or acquired via redemption codes is not subject to Ask to Buy.
We wrote more about this in Technology Limits with Teens post.
I will say, we have kept the games to a minimal on their phones and the only social network i’ve approved is Instagram with a private account.
4. Sharing Lightning Cables
My husband moved from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy. That tragic day I no longer was able to stalk him on FIND MY IPHONE (I know, it sounds creepy but it really comes in handy knowing what time he will be home to have dinner ready) and it was nice having additional chargers laying around.
Our house is kind of pathetic when it comes to chargers. We have 1 area setup as a charging station which now has 3 lightning cables coming out of it. And it never fails, someone (okay, me.) takes a cord away – well good news – there is still 2 cables left. It’s the little things in life, people.
We now buy Apple lightning cables in bulk – but off-brand. Here is the brand of lightning cable that we have had the best luck with.
5. Apple Family Calendar Collaboration
Gone are the days of our calendar white board that hangs in the laundry room (that I could never remember to update!) We now all have iPhones.
Anytime Z has tutoring or needs to stay after for school – she puts it on the calendar. This won’t work for every child, but hey it works fro 50% of mine and for that I am thankful.
But What About Screen Time?
Oh screen time. I know, buy your kid an iPhone and he will end up like his mom – buried on the iPhone at all times. While yes, my daughter (12) – has a social life that revolves around her phone, I haven’t felt like my kids are always on their phone.
My fear that getting the phones would be they would constantly have their heads buried, which hasn’t been the case. My daughter does homework with her friends via Facetime.
Read more on Screen Time
While an obvious use of the iPhone would be the alarm – we are still holding strong with the no screens in the bedroom rule. Each night, as we are settling everyone to bed – we tell the kids to make sure their phones are plugged in for the night.
If you are trying to set screen time limits, we have some tips. Here’s are thoughts on setting screen time limits for kids.
Buy an iPhone Case for Your Kid!
Something I will say, before buy an iphone for kids (or an Android) make sure you buy an Otterbox Defender if you want the phone to stay in good condition. While yes, they are pricey, the good news is on older iPhones – they are more affordable.
For extra protection, it’s worth the few bucks to buy a iPhone screen protector to pair with the Otterbox case.
If you are considering getting your kid a phone, and I would say – if they were somewhat responsible (10 or older) – definitely consider an iPhone for kids vs Android. This is especially true if the parents are Apple people!
