Alright, so let’s go ahead and face it: kids and their phones are like peanut butter and jelly—pretty much inseparable. But the minute a shiny new model hits the shelves, suddenly, their perfectly good phone just doesn’t cut it anymore, right? Every year, Apple announces the latest iPhone, and without fail, your kid is glued to the screen, listing off all the reasons they need that brand-new one.
But here’s the thing—phones aren’t cheap, and getting a new one every year? Totally unrealistic! Kids (and, of course, adults) should instead reuse their old devices because they still work for a year or more years usually (only need some tweaks). Instead of giving in, it’s time to teach your kid how to actually take care of the phone they already have.
Now, with all of that said, here’s how to do it and why your kid doesn’t need the newest phone every single time.
Teach Them the Value of What They Have
Okay, so first off, you have to be realistic here. Kids don’t always get how much things cost—especially tech. To them, a phone is just a cool gadget they use for TikTok, Instagram, and texting their friends, right? But behind the scenes, you know that thing cost a pretty penny. So ideally, it’s going to be for the best to just go ahead and break it down for them in a way they can understand—talk about how many hours of work or allowance it would take to buy a new phone. Suddenly, that magical upgrade won’t seem so easy. They might then ask for it to be a birthday or Christmas gift, but again, it’s way too expensive (and only the old models go on sale).
Now, it’s not about scaring them with the cost but helping them realize that this isn’t just a toy—it’s an investment. When they see their phone as something valuable, they’ll be more likely to treat it with care. They might even start seeing the upside of hanging onto it for more than a year.
It’s Best to Set the Ground Rules from Day One
So, here’s the thing: kids are always going to want what’s new and flashy, but if you lay out some rules from the start, they’ll know where you stand. Kids have always been like this, even before smartphones. So, you’re going to have to make it clear that they won’t be getting a new phone every time one hits the market.
You’ll instead need to tell them how long their phone is expected to last (and no, it’s not just until the next model drops). All it really takes is some proper care; phones are built to last several years.
Teach Them How to Care for Their Phone
It’s one thing to tell your kid to take care of their phone—it’s another thing to actually show them how. Plus, you have to keep in mind that most kids won’t always think about the long-term either, so they need a little guidance on the basics. Sure, there are the more basic things (that everyone should be doing with their phone in the first place, like:
Keep it Clean
Phones get gross fast so you just need to teach them to wipe down their phone, especially the screen, regularly.
Protect It
Honestly, a good case and screen protector are lifesavers (literally) for phones in the hands of kids.
Handle with Care
You’re also going to have to remind them not to leave their phone in precarious places, like on the edge of a table, or toss it into their backpack with no protection.
But here’s something else: it’s not just about the physical side of things. Phones get sluggish and fill up with junk fast, especially when kids are downloading apps like there’s no tomorrow. So, you’re going to have to be the one to show them how to do basic maintenance, like clearing cookies on iPhone, deleting old apps, and organizing their storage. This way, they can keep their phone running smoothly and avoid the dreaded “my phone’s slow” complaint that kids love using.
Patience is a Virtue
Yes, even when it comes to phones. While sure, patience might not be every kid’s strong suit, when it comes to phones, it’s a must. So, just go ahead and let them know that waiting to upgrade has its perks, such as getting a newer model when it comes out (after a few years of their old phone, of course). Plus, they need to learn this habit when they’re young as it already helps them know that the newest model annually just isn’t necessary at all.