Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Stages

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Features about the new iPhone 13 that parents will flip for

Sarah Prager
By

The iPhone has long been a top choice for parents because of the iOS parental control options. The operating system allows you to choose which apps your child can use, the age rating of content they can access, prevent viewing certain web content, restrict game use, block purchasing, and share purchases and apps across family accounts. The whole system works well for kids, parents, and families, but the device iOS works on matters, too. Is the new iPhone 13 the one parents need? While your child may use an iPad or an iPhone, what do you use as a parent? There are iPhone features parents will love in the new smartphone to answer all these questions and more.

The new iPhone 13, released on September 24, 2021, has several features attractive for parents, from an improved camera to longer battery life. In these new iPhone features, parents find much of what they’re looking for. While the Apple OS and apps give families an excellent system, the hardware of the phone itself shouldn’t be overlooked either.

Related Videos

Better camera

Being able to take high-quality photos of your kids is a priority when choosing a phone since you’re not going to carry around a digital camera in addition to your smartphone nowadays. With phone pics looking more and more professional, the iPhone 13 will help you keep up and even take DIY family holiday photos that look like you shelled out for a photography session.

Related

The new camera captures 47% more light and the new night mode automatically adjusts to take brighter images in lower light scenes, like inside your house. The camera also has “sensor-shift optical image stabilization” that “keeps shots steady even when you’re not.” So when you’re chasing your adorable toddler to get the shot your pic is less likely to come out blurry. The camera is faster, wider, captures more detail in darker areas, and is in both the regular and mini-versions of the new phone.

Better video recording

The video is also improved with the iPhone 13, not just the still images. Cinematic mode creates beautiful depth and focus, like Portrait mode does for still iPhone pictures. Your home movies will look like a videographer took them. You can also edit a video’s focal point after the fact on the phone, something that can’t be done practically anywhere else. So if the focus accidentally brought the piñata into focus instead of your kid, you can now change that.

Mini-version

If you want to get your child their own iPhone, you may want to consider getting the new iPhone mini. The iPhone 13 is 6.1 inches tall, while the iPhone 13 mini is 5.4 inches tall. It’s not minuscule by any stretch, but it may help fit in smaller hands. The price difference and the size aren’t very big, but they’re a step towards what you may be looking for.

Man with baby, bag, and phone

Longer battery life

This is one of the most important upgrades on the iPhone 13! When you’re out on a field trip or playdate for hours and need your phone for everything from GPS to texting to photo-taking to looking up the nearest drive-through restaurant, you need your battery to last. This iPhone’s battery lasts up to 2.5 hours longer (1.5 for the mini) than the last iteration, a total game-changer.

5G connectivity

While the iPhone 12 was the first iPhone to feature 5G connectivity, this is worth highlighting. 5G means that FaceTime calls come in with better clarity, uploads and downloads go faster, and streaming shows and playing games won’t lag or buffer as much. That call from grandma will show up better and more reliably, and so will streaming “Sesame Street.”

More storage

The iPhone 13 starts with 128 GB, double the starting amount for iPhone 12. That means twice the photos, videos, and apps will fit on your phone and half as much worrying about your phone filling up or slowing down. While you can (and should) back everything up to a service like iCloud or Amazon Photos, having space on your phone is always a good idea, too.

Some features from the iPhone 12 or earlier that are still present include being water-resistant (important for when you have the teeth-brushing encouragement app running), strong glass that isn’t easily broken by clumsy toddlers, and Face ID (so your kids can’t unlock your phone without you there). With this new iPhone, parents have even more features to make them want to choose this option. The iPhone 13 retails for $799 and the iPhone 13 mini costs $699.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
How to use a basal body temperature calculator to correctly track your cycle
Lady's hand holding a thermometer with cell phone in the other hand

You’ve probably read about many methods of tracking your most (or least) fertile times of the month. And with so much information and calculating, it’s a wonder that the process doesn’t become rather confusing. However, you can try using a bbt temperature calculator to track your cycle, predict patterns, and to maintain an ongoing record of all this data. Find out more about how to use these apps and/or devices that are designed to calculate your basal body temperature and record your cycle.
What is a bbt temperature calculator?
Basal body temperature or bbt calculators differ from one device or app to the next. However, they have one main function in common, which is to track your ovulation cycle in order to detect your most fertile days. They can also help with keeping tabs on your menstrual cycle. Most products have access to an app that you download to your smartphone or iPhone that saves your information about basal body temperature, frequency of sexual relations (to give an estimated probability of pregnancy occurring), and menstrual cycle.

How does a bbt calculator work?
First, you will need to get a special thermometer that measures basal body temperature. You take your temperature first thing in the morning, taking note of when it climbs slightly, which signals that ovulation is occurring. Normally, without a bbt temperature calculator, you would record your temperature on a calendar or a chart in order to figure out the pattern of your cycle. However, now you can incorporate the latest technology to calculate the pattern based on algorithms from the data that you input into the app. Plus, the app keeps a record of your data and displays your cycle in the form of a diagram.

Read more
How to protect your tween kid’s privacy online to keep them safe from predators
protecting tweens online smiling friends using mobile phone while sitting at bus stop

Kids are online now more than ever before. Thanks to smartphones, gaming, and the current health pandemic forcing many schools online, kids of all ages have seemingly unlimited access to the internet and the dangers it can present. With younger children, it's easy for parents to monitor their child's online activity, but as kids get older, they are more entrusted with spending time online unsupervised. While you may trust your tween to surf responsibly, it's important they know how to protect their privacy while online. Digital safety for kids is just one more thing parents need to worry about when it comes to their tweens. Tween online privacy can be a major issue.
The internet provided a way for kids to stay connected, to learn, and to be entertained during the coronavirus health pandemic. However, it's important that kids keep themselves as safe as possible while surfing, and that 'stranger danger' is still a thing in the virtual world. Trafficking, online bullying, exploitation, and identity theft are all very real threats to kids as they spend more time than ever before online. Carly Yoost, the founder of the Child Rescue Coalition, explained to Good Morning America why parents need to be vigilant.
"With school closures and more kids using online learning platforms more than ever, we have to remember that there are still risks with child predators lurking inside apps and behind the keyboard. We don't want to discourage parents and schools from using these tools, just to remember to still follow safety guidelines." The good news is that there are many ways that parents can help protect their children's privacy online while still allowing them to remain connected.

Set ground rules
It's been a busy and hectic time for parents recently, which means constantly monitoring the online activities of children isn't always possible. One way parents can help protect their children online is to set some basic ground rules around internet use. Safewise suggests parents explain to their teens what's expected of them when they are online, as well as outline basic safety practices. Reinforce with your tween that they should never share their passwords or usernames even with their friends and to avoid having any kind of shared account with anyone else. Parents should also provide a list of which sites and apps are off-limits to their tweens, especially popular social media and gaming sites. They also suggest that parents go over online safety rules with their kids, including warning them against accepting friend requests from strangers, not clicking on random links, and not sending or posting pictures of themselves online.
Education is key
Tweens often don't understand why they shouldn't post a certain picture, click on a link in a text, or not accept that random friend request, which is why it's so important for parents to sit down and educate their kids about internet safety. Simply telling a child not to do something won't be as effective as telling them why they shouldn't do it. The internet is full of hackers, sexual predators, and scammers who prey on those who aren't internet safety savvy. Parents should explain to their children that they need them to take their online safety seriously to avoid being taken advantage of.
Monitor their activity
There's a fine line between giving your children their own privacy and maintaining their safety. Many parents feel conflicted about monitoring their tween's online activity, but sometimes that's the best way to ensure they are surfing and browsing safely. Amina Fazlullah, policy counsel with Common Sense Media told Consumer Reports that it can be hard for parents to monitor what their tween is doing online. "The very private nature of phones and tablets makes it far easier for kids to explore beyond established boundaries." However, Fazlullah suggests that parents who want to give their children their privacy while still ensuring they are surfing safely can impose 'off-limits' rooms in their homes, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and set up a communal charging area where devices stay overnight.

Read more
7 tween backpacks that are practical yet stylish
blue backpack with school supplies

What happened to the good old days when back-to-school shopping meant getting every crayon color known to humankind and trying to find a "My Little Pony" or a "Spider Man" backpack? Well, time passes quickly. The next thing you know, your little person is wrapping up the final year of elementary school or your tween is now going into middle school. This means that they will want a little more say-so in the backpack selection. No worries. We have found some cool teen backpacks that both you and your student will love. Not only are they stylish, they’re also perfect for organizing and hauling books, devices, supplies, and other necessities.

Backpacks for teens and tweens
J World 19.5" Atom Multi-Compartment Laptop Backpack
What do you get when combine a quality design that tweens gravitate towards with enough compartments to hold… well, everything? The J World Backpack is sturdy and lightweight with three compartments that have zipper closures. The front compartment is compact enough to carry a cell phone and has smaller pockets for other supplies and compartments specifically designed to hold writing utensils. The two larger pockets can hold notebooks, binders, and even a laptop safely. The middle compartment also has a tablet sleeve. Plus, the shoulder straps are padded and adjustable. A sternum strap is also included. Among the many practical and stylish backpacks for teens and tweens, the J World has its own perks.
BAGSMART College Backpack
How many kids do you know carry around their own charging station? If you opt for the BAGSMART backpack, your tween will be one of them. One aspect that you’ll expect to find in the latest backpacks for teens and tweens is a modern take on convenience. This backpack has a USB charging port on the side. Also, your front pockets serve multiple purposes from holding pencils and other small items to clipping and hiding a house key. The spacious middle pocket holds books and compact devices. Additionally, the back pocket can hold a laptop and a tablet, and you’ll find another USB cord for charging. With a side pocket for a water bottle and anti-theft zippers, your tween will be all set for a busy day of learning.
Gear-up Ombre Multi Cool Recycled Backpack
Whether your tween chooses the Lite option or the Rolling, this backpack is sure to please with its unique ombre color scheme. Most importantly, each roomy pocket allows you to carry everything you need including your lunch and water bottle (if you choose the large). The padded back panels and adjustable straps provide comfort while evenly distributing the weight of the contents. Another perk about this backpack involves its construction from recycled materials.
COTS Backpack for Teens
The COTS backpack is lightweight, sturdy, and water-resistant. At the same time, if your tween prefers the classic, simple design, this backpack is the one. And what if your child prefers to carry the pack frontwards rather than on his or her back? The padded straps allow for that as well. In the main pocket, your tween can fit books, gym clothes, and a small laptop or tablet, and the two-way zipper secures it all. Likewise, the front pocket holds more items than you might think
Under Armour Kids’ Hustle Sport Backpack
For one of the sportiest looks in our selection of cool teen backpacks, your child would go for the Under Armour Hustle Sport Backpack. Made from highly water and moisture resistant material, students never have to worry about their books and laptop getting wet. Moreover, the front zipper pocket has adjustable bungee cords if your student needs to tuck in a jacket or gym shoes. The middle pocket holds a wealth of supplies—complete with a lined laptop pocket. The unique curve of the upper part of the straps provides comfort by giving more padding to the shoulder area. Basically, comfort, space, and resistance to moisture contribute to the popularity of this backpack.
JanSport Big Student, Tropical Teal Backpack
The time-honored JanSport brand with its iconic style has given us many cool and practical backpacks for teens and tweens. Aside from the Tropical Teal, you get a choice of 4 other neat designs that are sure to please any young scholar. The front zipper pocket has numerous compartments for pens and pencils, calculator, and notepads. Then, you have the laptop sleeve followed by two large pockets that are ideal for holding books and binders. Of course, there’s a side mesh pocket for holding a water bottle. Finally, the S-curve straps allow for comfortable toting without putting stress on the upper back.
Nike Elemental
First off, you must love the fact this classic backpack comes with a detachable pencil case. Your tween, on the other hand, will love the camo design and those super comfortable shoulder straps. The Nike Elemental also provides ample storage space in the main middle pocket while the front zipper pocket offers plenty of room for your smaller essentials. Your tween will be thrilled to carry around a backpack that also matches the kicks.

Read more