Understanding Tech — Calm Christmas tech buying guide

Buying Tech for the Kids This Christmas? Read This First.

Written by a parent and tech professional. Calm, practical steps that save money, avoid drama, and keep new gadgets safe from day one.

Short answer: pick the right device for your home, set the basics before it’s unwrapped, and use your Wi-Fi + built-in controls to keep things simple. No scare tactics, no gimmicks.

Quick decisions that make everything easier

Who owns it? Make it clear the device is part of the family, with agreed rules — not a free-for-all “personal” phone or console.
Which account? Use a parent-managed family account (Apple Family Sharing / Google Family Link / console family settings) from the start.
Which network rules? Your router can quietly enforce bedtimes and homework hours across every device. See our guide:
Smart Wi-Fi for families.

Consoles: PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

What to set up

Create a child profile under your adult account.
Set spend limits or approval for purchases and add-ons.
Decide on chat and friends: friends-only or off for younger kids.
Use the built-in play-time limits (plus your router schedule for backup).

Watch-outs

In-game stores can spend real money quickly — lock them down.
“Open” voice chat rooms are where most trouble starts — close them.
For popular games, see our guides:
Fortnite voice & text and
Roblox chat, friends & limits.

Phones & tablets: iPhone, Android, iPad

Minimum age: Many social apps are 13+; WhatsApp is 16 in the UK. If a younger child receives a phone, set strict controls first.
Apple families: Use Screen Time for Downtime, App Limits, content filters and purchase approval.
Android families: Use Google Family Link for time limits, app approvals and web filtering.
Location and tracking: Agree when it’s okay to share location. Our guide explains the pros, limits and good conversations:
Should you track your child?

Smart speakers & kids’ rooms (Alexa, Google)

Place in shared spaces for younger kids; turn purchases off.
Enable voice history deletion; review privacy settings quarterly.
Night use: pair with your router schedule so bedtime stays calm.

Smart TVs, streaming sticks & apps

Set profiles per person; use Kids/Teen modes where available.
Switch on pin-protected age ratings (Netflix/Prime/Disney+).
Turn off autoplay for evenings to reduce “one more episode”.

Payments, gift cards & subscriptions

Prefer family wallets or gift cards over stored cards on a child profile.
Require approval for any purchase; pin-lock app stores.
Keep a simple list of active subscriptions (music, TV, game passes). Consider one shared family plan instead of duplicates.

Tip: Moving playlists if you consolidate music? Try services like SongShift, Soundiiz or FreeYourMusic to copy favourites between Spotify, Apple Music and others.

Security basics that prevent most problems

Strong logins and a password manager for adults; unique device passcodes for kids.
Two-factor authentication on the parent account that controls purchases.
HTTPS isn’t safety — it’s just encryption. Teach kids how to spot fakes:
Padlock ≠ safe.
Block obvious risks at the network: see
router schedules & filters.

Christmas morning: 10-minute setup

Connect to home Wi-Fi; update the device first.
Sign in with your family/parent-managed account.
Enable Screen Time / Family Link or console family settings.
Set bedtime schedule on the router for the child’s devices.
Lock purchases behind approval.

Where to get more help

We publish clear, parent-friendly guides with step-by-step settings and UK-friendly examples.

Stay in the loop

For short, practical updates and new guides:

Instagram: @understandtechuk
Facebook Group (parents helping parents): Join here

At Understanding Tech, we’re parents first and tech people second. We test settings, translate jargon, and share what actually works at home — so families feel calmer and more confident online.

Dr Pamela Rutledge

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