From dumb phones to hand-me-downs: the ultimate guide to buying phones for kids

Taking the plunge and giving your child a handset? Here’s all you need to know – from the best models to the tariffs and networks (and how to use parental controls)

As the schools go back, pressure mounts on parents to give their children their first phone. If you’ve decided the time has come, there are many options to choose from, whether it’s a smartphone, a basic handset, or an upgrade to something newer.

From the handset to the mobile service that goes with it, and from key parental controls to how well the phone fits with the devices you already use, here are some of the things you should know before taking the plunge – including which models are the best.