Ofcom research1 has revealed that 39% of 8-11-year-olds and 83% of 12-15-year-olds have access to their own smartphone – percentages that have increased year on year for the last five years.

Whether you're considering getting your child their own mobile phone for safety reasons, to keep them entertained or to contact their friends, when it comes to choosing the best phone for kids, there's lots of options to consider.

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

If your child likes the look of the latest Samsung Galaxy S models, but you're not looking to spend too much, the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is an ideal choice. As a mid-range smartphone, it sits between the slightly more powerful Galaxy A7 2017 and lower Galaxy A3 2017 model, making it the perfect kids' smartphone. Its new waterproof protection, longer battery life and extra 1GB of RAM is enough to keep any kid going.

Apple iPhone SE

For those more favoured to the iOS operating system, the iPhone SE is a great way to get this popular brand without the heavy cost. Available in metallic golds and streamline black, there's not a kid out there who won't like this phone's look. What's more, the larger storage options in this model are perfect for saving all their favourite music.

Huawei P9

Very cheap for a full-feature smartphone, the Huawei P9 is a slim and stylish mobile with a 5.2-inch HD screen and good battery life. The specs aren't too powerful, but with a front 8MP and rear 12MP camera, it offers everything a child would want out of a smartphone. If desired, you can load on some parental software to keep them safe when surfing or downloading apps.

Sony Xperia XA1

If you're looking for a children's mobile phone perfect for videos and games, then the Sony Xperia XA1 is for you. Its 5-inch borderless display makes for entertaining on those long car rides and lazy Sunday mornings. Not to mention the fun shades to choose from and small price tag to go with it.

iPhone 6

If your household already uses a lot of Apple tech, getting them an iPhone to allow them to easily sync their music, files and apps across devices, makes sense. Unfortunately, iPhones don't come cheap, which is why the iPhone 6 is certainly the best choice, being a powerful machine that has a much lower price tag than the latest models.

LG G6

On the larger side, but perfect for kids using their phones to take photographs and watch their favourite shows, is the LG G6. Some key features include it's 13 MP camera, fingerprint scanner, water-resistant body and 5.7-inch screen. Unlike a lot of newer models on the market, this device still has the standard headphone jack, keeping your kids in touch with their favourite tunes without any hassle.

Samsung Galaxy J5

For parents looking for cheap phones for kids, the Galaxy J5 is a good option. Inexpensive, moderately powerful and featuring two good cameras and an excellent HD screen, the Galaxy J5 not only suits children's technology needs, but your bank balance too. It's expandable storage space and sleek design mean you don't have to worry about your kid wanting an upgrade anytime soon either.

All the phones above are great options for younger handset users. If they already have a model in mind however, be sure to check it offers good durability – because let's face it, kids' smartphones need to be sturdy. What's more, always make sure to install parental software on the phone via an app to ensure they're able to use the phone safely and securely.

1https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/108182/children-parents-media-use-attitudes-2017.pdf