A first phone or tablet is a big step for a child and a new monthly cost for the family. This guide covers what it costs, the safety settings the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests, and how to keep surprise charges off your bill. It does not recommend any phone, carrier or app. Facts checked November 11, 2026.
What it costs
- The device: paid up front, in monthly installments on your phone bill, or a hand-me-down phone you already own.
- The plan: a new line on a family plan, or a prepaid plan; add taxes and fees. Compare options with the cell phone plan cost calculator.
- Extras: a case, a screen protector, device protection, and apps or games with purchases.
Before you buy a used or refurbished device, see our guide to buying used and refurbished electronics.
Safety settings the FTC suggests
- Set rules early. The FTC says to set rules and boundaries with your kids early and be clear in your expectations.
- Purchases need your OK. Look for settings that let you turn off downloading or purchasing, so your kids need your permission first.
- Parental controls. Both Apple and Android offer features to manage parental control settings and permissions remotely.
- Location. Talk with your kids about which phone functions and apps need access to their location, and remind them to share their location only with friends they trust and know in person.
- Privacy. Strong privacy settings can help prevent your kid from posting or sharing private information with others.
- Lock the phone. Set it to lock when not in use, with a passcode of at least 6 digits, and back it up regularly.
Sources: FTC: Kids and Cell Phones (November 2024) and FTC: How to protect your phone.
Keep surprise charges off your bill
- Turn on purchase approval for apps and in-app purchases before you hand the device over.
- Check the monthly bill for app charges, data overage or extra services.
- If you see a charge you did not approve, contact the app store or carrier; for card charges, you can dispute billing errors with your card issuer (FTC).
Teach money with the phone
A phone is a good chance to talk about monthly bills and choices. Try our free money worksheets for kids and the kids' money games, which work without an account.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my child from buying apps?
The FTC suggests looking for settings that let you turn off downloading or purchasing, so your kids need your permission first. Apple and Android offer parental controls you can manage remotely.
Should my child share their location?
The FTC suggests talking with your kids about which apps need their location and reminding them to share it only with friends they trust and know in person.
How much does a child's phone cost a month?
It depends on the plan, the number of lines, taxes and fees, and any phone installments. Compare plans with the cell phone plan cost calculator.
Is a used phone OK for a first phone?
It can be. Check that it works on your carrier, that it has been reset and is not locked to someone else's account, and what warranty or return policy comes with it.
Does this page recommend a phone or carrier?
No. It covers costs and the FTC's safety tips only.