Use the correct child account
Create or use the child's Apple or Google account with the correct age. Link it to the family controls before adding apps, contacts or a payment method.
BASTIONHOST / A CHILD'S FIRST PHONE
A CHILD'S FIRST PHONE
Set up the family agreement before the phone becomes private.
A first phone brings contact, location, a camera, apps and the open web into one pocket. Build it with the child, keep the account age correct and agree what support looks like before the first difficult message arrives.
START HERE
Set the boundary before you test it.
Decide what the phone is for now. Calls home, family messages, travel and a camera may be enough at first. You can add functions as the child shows they are ready, rather than opening everything on day one.
Keep the phone recoverable
Set a device passcode, updates, backup and account recovery. Record the serial or IMEI and make sure the adult can help if the phone is lost or the child is locked out.
Write a two-sided family promise
Include what the child will do and what the adult promises in return, especially calm help, proportionate checks and no punishment simply for reporting a problem.
PRACTICAL SETUP
Work through the real account and device.
Do not rely on what a parent dashboard appears to show. Apply the control, then check the result while signed in as the child.
Reset a hand-me-down completely
Remove the previous owner's account, apps, messages, browser data and payment methods. Update the phone before signing in as the child.
Create the child account and family link
Use the correct age and connect Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link. Protect the adult controls with a passcode the child does not use elsewhere.
Secure the device and recovery
Set a device passcode, automatic updates, backup and account-recovery details. Record the phone's serial or IMEI and decide how location sharing will be used and explained.
Start with approved apps and contacts
Install only what the child needs now. Review app permissions, require adult approval for new apps and purchases, and decide who can call or message.
Set content, browser and communication limits
Use age-appropriate restrictions, SafeSearch where practical, contact limits and privacy settings. Check every browser and messaging service the child can open.
Create the stopping and charging routine
Agree when the phone is away, where it charges overnight and how extra time is requested. Keep essential calls available if the child travels independently.
Write the family promise together
Include asking before new apps or purchases, keeping passwords private and telling about frightening contact. In return, promise to listen first and explain any checks you make.
Test the phone as the child
Try a new app, purchase, unknown contact, blocked website, downtime period and recovery route. Confirm the child's screen matches the controls you intended to set.
TEN-MINUTE TEST
Check what your child actually sees.
- The phone uses the child's own account and correct age
- The device is updated, backed up and protected by a passcode
- New apps and purchases require adult approval
- Unknown contact and content limits match the child's readiness
- The child knows where the phone charges overnight
- The agreement includes promises from adults as well as the child
The family rule
This phone is a tool for contact, learning and fun. New apps, purchases and unfamiliar people come to a grown-up. If something goes wrong, bring us the phone and we will help before we discuss the rule.
What the settings cannot promise
Family controls do not cover every app, browser or mobile network in the same way. A child can also use another person's device. Review the phone after major updates and add access gradually as the child's needs and judgement develop.
Current official instructionsApple Screen Time guide ↗Apple content and purchase restrictions ↗Google Family Link supervision ↗NCSC advice for you and your family ↗
Written by Kevin Turnbull. Last reviewed 21 August 2026. Services, settings and menu names change. Check the current official instructions while applying this guide. This is practical parent-to-parent guidance, not emergency safeguarding advice. Find UK help and reporting services.
PARENT-WRITTEN GUIDANCE
Give the first phone a clear purpose.
Start with the features the child needs, test the setup from their screen and build a family promise that keeps asking for help safe.
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