That’s it. We are almost at the end of the summer holidays and back-to-school is in full swing. I ran into a school mum yesterday at Woolies and we both are so looking forward to it.

At the same time, back-to-school brings with it many challenges for parents as they need to get their children ready for a new school year. More and more this includes new technology and for many parents especially managing children going from Primary School to High School, it includes buying and connecting their first smartphone.

Last year, smartphone brand Human Mobile Devices (HMD) undertook extensive global market research with 10,000 parents, including 2,000 from Australia. The results revealed that smartphone use is a land of confusion for parents: 54% want more guidance and support to help them manage their child’s screen time and two-thirds of Australian parents say they would like a “child-friendly” phone as they look for solutions to manage mobile phone usage.

But how can Australian parents ensure their kids are connected, contactable and safe in a cost efficient way? While also managing screen time, parental controls, time management and more? And once the device itself is chosen, what’s the most cost efficient way to get them connected onto a reliable network with calls, texts and data?

HMD devices such as the HMD Skyline and HMD Fusion offer the perfect mix of connectivity and being able to reach their child, with built-in features to help manage screen time and promote mindful habits, all for a budget-friendly price. Another option for parents is to jump on the resurgence of feature phones such as the Nokia 3210 for $129 or the recently launched HMD Barbie phone at $199, both of which offer incredible value while delivering basic phone and text without the dangers of navigating social media.

To keep kids connected without breaking the bank, parents can create a perfect pairing with the great budget-friendly carrier Boost Mobile. Boost Mobile, with 25 years of experience, is the leader in pre-paid with products on the Telstra network, the only MVNO with access to the full Telstra network. In its product portfolio is an enticing 12-month expiry SIM that delivers coverage for less than $1 a day. For $300, this 12-month expiry SIM includes a 265GB SIM with unlimited calls and texts for 12 months, allowing parents to feel secure in their child’s coverage.

HMD Skyline | RRP $899 | Available from Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks (online only), Big W (online only)

The flagship for Human Mobile Devices, the HMD Skyline is new to the Australian market having launched last August. With a focus on capturing every memory while still being present in the moment, the HMD Skyline is packed with fantastic camera capabilities thanks to its 50MP selfie camera and 108MP Hybrid OIS triple rear camera. The 50MP selfie camera comes with autofocus and eye-tracking to ensure the sharpest of selfies, and with the in-built ‘selfie gesture’ tech, users only have to make the universal peace sign (or one of three other hand signs) to activate the camera. But it doesn’t stop there, a like the HMD Fusion, the HMD Skyline not only comes with Gen 2 repairability, but also has the iconic HMD Digital Detox mode, encouraging its users to take mindful pauses from their screens and digital lives and to be present in the moment. The HMD Skyline is the phone for the content creator who wants to be able to both capture and live in the moment.

HMD Skyline

HMD Fusion | RRP $499 | Available from JB Hi-Fi & Harvey Norman

The latest to the Australian market from Human Mobile Devices (HMD) and wrapped in an uber-cool industrial-chic shell, the HMD Fusion is the pinnacle of mobile phone design. A customisable experience delivered through a series of interchangeable outfits enables consumers to tailor their HMD Fusion to their style, wants and needs. Be you a selfie queen with the Flashy outfit or an avid gamer leveling up with the Gaming outfit, there is an outfit to fit every personality. As with the HMD smartphone range,the HMD Fusion is designed with FIY (fix it yourself) in mind. Equipped with Gen 2 repairability, HMD makes it easier than ever to repair a smashed screen, depleted battery or damaged charging port. Simply pop open the device, unscrew the screen or replace the battery, and put it back together using an iFixit kit, and you are good to go! See what Lee thought of it.

HMD Fusion

HMD Barbie Phone | RRP $199 | Available from JB HiFi, Harvey Norman, Big W, Officeworks, Telstra and Amazon

The perfect summer accessory, the HMD Barbie Phone brings a burst of nostalgia and a splash of glam to your everyday life in the form of a retro flip phone. Its features include calling, texting, all while living in the real world without digital distractions. Ideal for the accessory conscious, the HMD Barbie Phone brings back replaceable covers coming with two alternative cases: the brightly coloured swirls of the 1992’s iconic Totally Hair Barbie doll and a vintage ‘shooting heart’ design. There is also a beaded phone strap that can be adorned with iconic Barbie phone charms including a tiny roller skate, and a Barbie doll-sized ice cream. In addition, you can choose from a selection of sparkly gems and retro vintage Barbie stickers to decorate it, and enjoy the many easter eggs hidden in the phone for key Barbie dates and words, such as spelling out BARBIE by pressing *#227243#. Consumers can also take a spin on the Malibu Snake game, a Barbie-fied re- take on the classic Nokia Snake! The HMD Barbie phone is a perfect blend of nostalgia, fashion and detox, coming with ‘Digital balance tips’, ‘BarbieMeditation’ ‘Self-care reminders to help any Barbie take a meaningful digital downtime. It’s pink, it’s chic, it’s sleek, it’s got a mirror on the front so you can touch up on the go, and it is the perfect tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone.

Barbie x HMD

Nokia 3210 | RRP $129 | Available from JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Big W and Amazon

It is the mobile phone that defined a generation. And now, 25 years on from its original release, the legendary Nokia 3210 is back in Scuba Blue, Grunge Black and Y2K Gold. ‘Dumbphones’ are making a comeback as people look to return to simpler times and the reimagined Nokia 3210 is here for it boasting a sleek retro design. It comes loaded with all the essential features you’d expect from the OG feature phone, including a 2MP camera with flash (and torch!) and a long-lasting 1450 mAh1 battery that won’t die on you when you’re partying hard. And if that wasn’t enough, feel like beating your old top score on Snake? Yes, it’s officially back!

Nokia 3210