No matter what you may think of the humble smartphone and our increasing dependence on screens in general, there is no denying that it is difficult to live a normal life these days without reliable access to some kind of internet-connected communication device. 

As a parent, it is also yet another thing that you have to be cognizant of as your child gets older. It’s more than likely that they are going to need a phone, and it’s more than likely that until they’re a responsible adult, you will have to play a role in the management of that.

It’s no surprise that many moms and dads can find this tiring as their kids become preteens and teens. Not only can there be a worry about what children use their devices for, but there is also the expense of phone plans and often repairs when kids manage to break things. It can become a point of contention in the child/parent relationship.