Deciding when to give a child their first smartphone is not an easy task for many families. It is a balance between necessity and trust. The HMD Fusion X1, priced at £229, aims to ease this decision by offering parents more control and introducing young users to the digital world under careful supervision.
According to Common Sense Media, nearly half of children have a phone by the age of 10, increasing to 91% by age 14. The Fusion X1 targets the stage where messaging becomes crucial but unrestricted access is still inappropriate.
The device comes with features like a decent camera, the latest operating system (Android 14), a 5000mAh battery, and USB-C charging. While it can access Google’s app store, YouTube, and Chrome browser like other smartphones, it starts with a minimal set of essential apps, allowing parents to gradually add more. This foundational approach helps in building up digital habits responsibly, all for a monthly fee of £4.99.
The Xplora Teen app comes pre-installed on the device, allowing parents to control visible apps, contacts, and phone usage during specific times. The app also includes features like whitelist for calls and messages, location tracking, safety zones, and ICE calling.
What sets the Fusion X1 apart is that these features are integrated into the system, making them harder to bypass. This ensures that even tech-adverse parents can easily set up and monitor their child’s phone usage.
The longevity of the Fusion X1 is another highlight, allowing the device to grow with the user by gradually adding new apps and relaxing restrictions as the child demonstrates responsibility. This approach is beneficial for both the child and the environment, unlike short-term solutions like feature phones.
However, there are areas where the Fusion X1 falls short, such as limited control over Google Chrome, YouTube, and the Play Store. HMD recommends using Google’s Family Link service for additional content filters and restrictions.
While the Fusion X1 offers advanced features, Google’s Family Link provides similar functionalities without a subscription fee, which may be more appealing to budget-conscious parents. It is important to strike a balance between monitoring and trust as a child matures, as constant surveillance can hinder the development of trust.
In conclusion, while the Fusion X1 offers clear tools for guiding digital habits, honest conversations and mutual understanding are essential in helping children navigate the online world safely. Technology is a tool, but it cannot replace the importance of communication and trust in parenting.
If you feel overwhelmed by your smartphone as an adult, consider switching to a dumbphone or exploring the resurgence of BlackBerry in the market.
