Got my 4 year old a cheap smartphone - huge mistake

1w ago1 min read

Thought a basic phone with just calling and texting would be fine when he goes to preschool. Wrong. He immediately figured out how to open the app store and download games and YouTube. Then I'm getting charged for in app purchases. Kid somehow figured out my backup password. Now he's asking for it constantly and gets upset when I take it away. Honestly I'd be better off just buying him a toy. Selling the phone, going back to just picking him up from school. Don't think 4 year olds need phones and honestly I don't think I'm prepared to monitor this stuff.

6 comments170 views

Comments(6)

BBrandonNew Dad1w ago

Yeah, smartphones are never just for calling and texting. Four year olds find YouTube within hours. Did he get into YouTube or gaming apps?

CCarlos M.New Dad1w ago

I get what you were trying to do but yeah, four is too early for any device. What's he getting into that's the problem?

HHarvey L.Regular1w ago

Oh man, that's the app store trap right there. Kids are way smarter about phones than we give them credit for. Might be worth looking into parental controls if you want to keep trying the phone route.

SStan D.Regular1w ago

That's tough. Four year olds are tiny geniuses when it comes to screens. We learned that lesson the hard way too with our oldest.

MMiguelRegular1w ago

Four is way too young. We learned this the hard way with our kids too. For preschool at that age, just stick with the old school approach - let the teacher handle emergencies.

MMarco R.New Dad1w ago

The problem is there's no such thing as a 'just calling and texting' phone anymore. Even basic phones have access to stuff you don't want. My recommendation is just wait a couple years and revisit this.