How to Choose the Right First Phone for Secondary School
Understand why a phone is needed
The move to secondary school often means children are travelling further, spending longer days away from home, and starting new activities. For many families, a phone becomes a tool of reassurance as well as a step towards maturity.
You should consider why your child needs a phone as this will help to inform what kind of device you get. A phone gives children a way to stay in touch with parents during the school day or commute, coordinate with their friends, and also begin to take responsibility for their own schedules. Typically, having the ability to make calls and send messages is a must, but some might also benefit from additional apps such as maps, location sharing, and even a calendar.
Common worries parents face when choosing a first phone
Whilst a phone can provide reassurance, many parents often feel uncertain about their child having their own phone. Some of the most frequent concerns include:
- Safety online and offline: exposure to social media, plus other apps and strangers
- Distraction: phones interfering with homework, sleep, or focus at school
- Cost: worries about damage, loss, or expensive contracts
- Peer pressure: balancing a child’s desire to fit in with what’s sensible and age-appropriate
Acknowledging these concerns early can help to guide the decision-making process and create a plan to protect your child whilst still giving them the independence to use a phone.
Balancing independence and safety
When choosing a first phone, it’s worth focusing on features that strike the right balance between freedom and reassurance. Useful functions that can help to protect your child include:
- Location sharing: allows parents to check their child’s whereabouts on the journey to and from school
- Emergency calling: quick access to important contacts in case of a problem
- Parental controls: settings that limit access to inappropriate content or excessive screen time
These features give children the ability to stay connected while still having important safeguards in place.
Setting boundaries around screen time and usage
Establishing ground rules from the start around the usage of their new device can help children use their new responsibility wisely. This could include arranging set times for phone use, such as after homework has been completed. You can also consider keeping phones out of bedrooms completely at night, to support healthy sleep. It will also be beneficial to talk openly with your child about online behaviour and respectful communication. This can all help to protect your child and also help them to develop good habits.
Practical considerations for a first phone for secondary school
Choosing a first phone isn’t only about the apps or features on offer. Parents also need to think about how well the device fits into everyday school life. The practical side of things can make the difference between a phone that’s a help and one that quickly becomes a hassle.
Durability and design for everyday school life
From being stuffed into backpacks to being dropped in the playground, the first phone is likely to go through a lot. So, it’s important to choose a sturdy design or one that can be paired with a protective case to ensure it stands up to daily knocks and scrapes. A lightweight model that fits easily into a pocket is often more practical for a child than something large and heavy, so the size of the device should also be a consideration.
Battery life that lasts the school day
Long days at secondary school mean a phone with a reliable battery is essential. Parents want to know their child can still make a call on the way home, even after a full day of classes, activities and messages. A phone that can comfortably last until evening reduces the risk of children being left without a way to contact home.
Cost and value: how much should you really spend?
Spending a fortune on the very latest model isn’t necessary for a first phone. Many parents prefer to start with something affordable but reliable, especially as there’s always the chance it will get lost or damaged. The best approach is to look for a device that balances value for money with the essential features you want for safety and communication, without any unnecessary extras.
Building confidence for both parent and child
Giving a child their first phone is an opportunity to teach responsibility, encourage independence, and help both parent and child feel confident about this new step. With the right approach, the phone can become a tool for learning, communication, and safe exploration rather than a source of worry.
Involving your child in the decision-making
Choosing a first phone will probably be more successful when your child is part of the process. You can ask for their views on style, features or even colour to help them feel a sense of ownership. This can also provide a natural opportunity to talk about the responsibilities that come with having a phone, which can help to make it feel less like a rule being imposed and more like a step forward together.
Teaching responsible use from day one
A phone can be a lesson in independence for children. From the beginning, parents can set expectations around care, use and behaviour. You can teach simple routines such as charging the phone overnight in a shared space or agreeing when it should be switched off to help establish healthy habits. Having open conversations about respect online, privacy and safety will give children the confidence to responsibly navigate their new independence.
Building digital literacy and resilience
Beyond safety, a first phone is a chance to teach children how to use technology wisely. Explaining why some apps require caution, how to identify reliable information, and how to respond to negative experiences online can help them feel more capable and prepared. You can encourage them to speak up if something feels wrong or uncomfortable to build their confidence and promote responsible decision-making.
Encouraging gradual independence
It’s normal to worry about giving a child too much freedom too soon. One approach is to allow more autonomy in stages. Perhaps you can start with calls and messages, then gradually introduce apps, social media, or location sharing as trust grows. This way, both parent and child can adjust comfortably, reducing stress and building confidence on both sides.
How Motorola makes finding a first phone easier
Choosing a first phone is easier when practical features reduce stress for both parent and child. For families mindful of budget, Motorola offers handsets ranging from around £99 to £400, giving access to reliable devices without the worry of overspending on a phone that might face the occasional drop or loss. This includes the moto e14, starting at £59.00, and the moto g05, starting at £79.99, both offering great choices for your child’s first phone for secondary school.
We also offer features such as free screen replacement which can provide peace of mind if accidents happen. Plus, our regular promotions such as buy one, get one half price can help parents save money when multiple children require a phone.
Discounted devices for students
Motorola is making it even easier for students to stay connected without stretching their budget. In partnership with SheerID, students can now get an exclusive 20% discount on purchases through motorola.com – including on items already on promotion. Redeeming the offer is simple: just add the chosen products to the cart, students can then verify their status through SheerID at checkout and enjoy the discount.
Finding the right balance
Choosing a first phone for secondary school is about striking the right balance between independence and safety. By focusing on practical features, durability, and responsible use, you can feel confident that your child will be equipped to navigate school life and beyond. Involving your child in the decision and setting clear expectations can help them develop digital habits that last, making the first phone a tool for reassurance, growth, and responsible freedom.
