For many families, the first mobile phone is a big step. It gives the child more freedom, security and the chance to stay in touch with family and friends. At the same time, it is important to build good habits from the start.
The mobile phone can be a positive tool in children's everyday lives, but it is important to find a good balance between screen use, activity, sleep and time together with others.
Recommended use of mobile phones and screens for children
When children get their own mobile phone, we recommend that parents start with clear limits and good routines. Children have different needs, and how much the phone is used should be adapted to age and maturity.
Some good tips for a safe start with a mobile phone:
- Talk together about phone use: Make simple rules together with the child about when and how the phone should be used.
- Have phone-free periods: Make sure there is time without screens, for example during meals, play and family activities.
- Avoid the phone right before bedtime: Screen use late in the evening can make it harder to fall asleep.
- Encourage activities without screens: The phone should not replace physical activity, play or socialising.
- Teach the child good digital habits: Talk about online etiquette, privacy and how to behave online.
- Be a good role model: Children learn a lot from how the adults around them use their phones.
The Norwegian Directorate of Health's (Helsedirektoratet) advice on screen time
The Norwegian Directorate of Health has made clear recommendations for screen use among children and young people:
- Children under two years: Screens are not recommended.
- Children from two to five years: Screen time should be limited to around 30 minutes to one hour a day.
- Children from six to twelve years: Screen use should be limited to about one to one and a half hours a day.
- Young people from 13 to 18 years: Screen time should be limited to around one and a half to three hours a day.
The advice is not about mobile phones and screens being negative in themselves. It is about making sure the screen does not take up too much space at the expense of sleep, physical activity, play and time with family and friends.
Remember breaks when using screens
Games, videos and social media can be engaging, and time can quickly pass once the children get going.
Good habits can be to:
- Take regular breaks so your eyes can rest.
- Avoid long periods with a bent neck over the phone.
- Put the screen away before bedtime for better sleep.
- Vary between screen activities and other activities.
Mobile subscriptions that suit children and young people
At TrønderMobil, we believe that children and young people should have a mobile solution that suits their needs, without it needing to be complicated or expensive.
That is why we offer simple subscriptions that suit everything from a first phone to young people who use their phone more actively:
TrønderMobil 1 GB – 99 kr/month
A good starter subscription for children who mainly need to be able to call, send messages and be reachable.
TrønderMobil 8 GB – 197 kr/month
Suits young people who use their phone more for apps, social media, music and internet use.
TrønderMobil Fri Data – 349 kr/month
For young people who use their phone a lot and want freedom without having to keep track of their data use.
All subscriptions from TrønderMobil come with full Telenor coverage, so children get a stable and safe mobile experience all over Norway.
