Kids and Phones: What Parents in Singapore Are Really Buying (And Why)

These days, it’s normal to see kids using smartphones — even before they turn 12.

Whether it’s for safety, school, or simply staying connected, many parents in Singapore are buying phones for their children. But what phones are they actually buying? And what features matter most to them?

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Right Age for a First Phone?
Many parents are now giving kids their first phone around 9 to 12 years old.

Why?

To contact them after school or tuition
For school apps like Zoom or Google Classroom
Because other kids already have one
Parents Aren’t Buying the Cheapest Phones — or the Most Expensive

Most parents go for phones priced around $120 to $250. Not too cheap, not too fancy.

Why this range?

Affordable if lost or broken
Good enough for school apps, calls, and YouTube
Less risky than buying an iPhone for a child