Yesterday, I came across a post on the Essential Kids forum. A Sydney mom posted a request for help: “Christmas is coming soon, and my son is pestering me for a phone. But I don’t want to buy him an expensive one, nor do I want him to get addicted to TikTok. Does anyone have any recommendations?”
Interestingly, among the dozens of replies, the highly upvoted answer was surprisingly unanimous: the iPhone 12 Mini.
This is quite intriguing. A machine that has been discontinued for several years has, at this point in 2025, become the “parenting gadget” in the eyes of Australian parents.
Just in time for the final sprint of Christmas shopping, let’s discuss why this little phone can alleviate parents’ “phone anxiety” and where you can still find it for purchase.
Easy for Little Hands to Hold, and Less Addictive for Eyes
One of the biggest concerns for parents when buying a phone for their kids is the fear of their children getting addicted to games and short videos.
In this case, the “disadvantages” of the 12 Mini have turned into its greatest strengths.
The screen is too small to be comfortable for long-term use!
The 5.4-inch screen is not ideal for gaming or video browsing. After a while, kids will naturally put the phone down because their eyes get tired or they feel unsatisfied. It’s like having a built-in “physical anti-addiction” system!
Moreover, children’s hands are generally small. Nowadays, with 6.7-inch large-screen phones, kids can’t hold them steadily with one hand, and they are prone to dropping them when running around. The 12 Mini’s size allows kids to hold it firmly with one hand, and it fits perfectly into a school uniform pocket or a side bag of a backpack, reducing the risk of losing it.
Where in Australia Can You Still Find a “Reliable” Mini in December 2025?
If you’ve decided to buy one, the next big question is where to purchase it, considering the phone has been discontinued for a long time.
I’ve done some research for everyone and summarized the current situation:
JB Hi-Fi & Officeworks: Don’t expect to find new units. JB Hi-Fi occasionally has some “Refurbished” stock, priced around $400-$500 AUD. However, the inventory is very unstable. It’s recommended to check the availability on the official website first, call the store to reserve it, and avoid making a trip in vain.
Apple Official Certified Refurbished: This is the most reliable option. The quality is as good as new, and it comes with a one-year warranty. But the price is on the higher side, and the Mini is in high demand, often showing as “Out of Stock.” If you manage to find one, don’t hesitate to place an order immediately.
Amazon AU: There are quite a few third-party sellers offering “Renewed” versions on Amazon. The prices are competitive, and shipping is fast. But be sure to check the seller’s ratings and return policies carefully. Although Amazon provides some protection, if you receive a faulty unit before Christmas, the return process can be quite troublesome.
Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree: These are currently the places with the most abundant supply. Especially before Christmas, many people are trading in their old phones for new ones. Decent-condition 12 Minis have been priced at $250-$350 AUD. Note: If it’s a gift for a child, avoid buying ones with low battery health. Otherwise, the child might run out of power halfway through the day and lose contact, causing more worry for the parents.
Putting a “Tightening Curse” on the Phone: How to Set Up Parental Controls?
Once you’ve bought the phone, don’t just hand it over to the child. Setting up “Parental Controls” is essential for this Mini to truly become a tool that parents can trust.
Step 1: Family Sharing
On your iPhone, add the child’s Apple ID to the family group. This is the foundation for all the controls.
Step 2: Screen Time
This is the core feature!
Downtime: Set the phone to be inactive from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., retaining only the phone call function to prevent staying up late playing with the phone.
App Limits: Set daily limits for games and social media apps, for example, allowing only 30 minutes of play per day.
Content and Privacy Restrictions: Block “adult websites” to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.
Step 3: Buy and Approve
Enable “Ask to Buy.” This way, if the child wants to download any game or make a purchase on the App Store, a notification will pop up on your phone, and you must approve it. This prevents the child from spending money indiscriminately or downloading inappropriate games.
Step 4: Location Tracking
Ensure that the child’s “Find My” function is enabled and that the location is shared with you. This way, you can easily see if the child has wandered off after school or if the phone has been lost.
In Conclusion
The iPhone 12 Mini may not be the most powerful phone, but in the special context of 2025, it is the best choice as a child’s “starter phone.”
It is user-friendly enough to meet communication and basic entertainment needs, and it is restrained enough to prevent children from becoming too engrossed in the digital world too early.
If you are still puzzled about what to get your child for Christmas, consider this “small but beautiful” old friend. It might be a “peace of mind” gift for both you and your child.
