Loving the tips from this article in The Orange County Register on things to do before you let your child have your old iPhone.

Suggestions include sweeping the device of any old financial or sensitive information and also setting it with age-appropriate restrictions, such as limiting certain sites (YouTube, Facebook) to younger children who may use the device.

The article also points out that you want to make sure you’ve installed the right apps for the child. I think this is important not only because it ensures your kid will be using apps they can handle and enjoy, but also because it will limit any potential damage they can do to the device, and your credit card, when you may not be watching.

For example, downloading free apps isn’t necessarily a great idea. The author notes: “Apps labeled “lite” or “free” often attempt to make money by trying to sell virtual items while a child is playing a game, or link to another related app that requires payment to download. Select apps from trusted, reliable sources, and make sure that they are not trying to market to your child.”

I have had this experience more than once with my children. Several of the child-friendly and free apps I have downloaded for them to play with relentlessly prompt them to purchase other apps, or upgrade the one they are using. I’ve intercepted more than a few potential purchases from my kids who don’t understand exactly what they are doing when they say “yes” to an offer. From now on, I’m sticking to educational, but also non-free, apps that won’t prompt my child to purchase something else.

What tips will you use from this article? Have you given any of your children an old iPhone or other smartphone to play with?