smartphone alternatives

We understand that some children may need to be able to communicate with family and friends. Thankfully, there are a lot of alternatives to smartphones that don’t carry the same risks.

When you are considering what communication device is best for your child, it is important first to ask what is the purpose of the device? In other words, why does my child need a phone? If calling and texting is all that is needed, we encourage parents to consider a basic phone or a smartwatch before a smartphone. The majority of problems associated with smartphones are because of the access to an internet browser and to the app store. In some cases, it may be easier and even cheaper to give your child your old iPhone instead of buying a basic phone. The cost and time are well worth the investment. Please consider these basic communication devices before getting your child a smartphone.  

Gizmo Watch 

The Gizmo Watch provides two-way voice calling and messaging with up to 10 trusted contacts of your choice. Parents can check the location of the Gizmo Watch from their own smartphone, set GPS boundaries, and receive automated alerts when a child exceeds the boundaries. Additionally, waterproof watch includes a fitness tracker and a to-do list to manage chores and homework. Prices vary. Check out Verizon Wireless and Best Buy to purchase. 

Bark Watch

For kids who are starting to spend more time outside the home but who aren’t quite ready for the responsibility of a phone yet, the Bark Watch is a great choice. It gives parents peace of mind with GPS tracking and messaging without games, browsers, or social media, so kids can stay connected more safely without distractions. The Bark Watch also comes with Bark’s most important feature —  advanced content monitoring.

TickTalk Watch

The TickTalk Watch features voice and video calling, text messaging, location traction, free streaming music, parental controls and a camera. With no internet, games, or social media, TickTalk 4 allows your family to stay connected without sacrificing peace of mind. The watch includes tools like an Activity Tracker, 3D Reminders, Do Not Disturb Class Mode & more. Use promo code waituntil8th for a $20 discount.

Gabb Watch

The Gabb Watch triples as a cell phone, GPS device, and interactive watch. It is a stand-alone device. It does not pair with the Gabb phone. Features include voice-messaging, pre-set texting, GPS and tracking functionality, custom contact list (10 parent approved and managed contacts) — no outside calls or texts, SOS/emergency contact, customize and receive notification when your child leaves and enters “Safe Zones”, void distraction during school hours with “Lock Mode”. Child and guardian can still contact each other in this mode. Watch is sweat and water resistant. Use promo code WU8 to get 10% off the Gabb watch.

Gabb Phone 

Gabb Wireless is on a mission to protect children, connect families, and encourage life outside the screen. They’ve designed the Gabb phone without the internet or an app store. Kids can call, text and access a basic suite of essentials limited to a calculator, calendar, and alarm. The phone does not have games or social media. The phone does have a camera with optional picture messaging. The phone is $99.99 and the monthly service plan is 19.99 for the Gabb basic or $24.99 for the Gabb plus with MMS (group + picture messaging) being the only difference between the prices. Use promo code WU8 to get 10% off the Gabb phone.

Bark phone starter plan

The Bark Phone starter plan is the perfect option for parents looking for a locked-down kid’s phone that also comes with Bark’s advanced content monitoring. There are no dangerous apps, no games, no internet browser, no social media, and no app store access. Parents manage all contacts and can track their child’s location 24/7. Bark will scan text messages and saved photos & videos for potential issues like sexting, bullying, suicidal ideation, violence, and more. Parents get alerts so they can check in and make sure everything’s okay. When your child’s ready, you can upgrade to get more features while keeping the same phone. 

Pinwheel

Pinwheel created a unique operating system that lets kids be kids. Pinwheel supports outdoor play, book reading, and spending time with friends. The Pinwheel phone excludes everything that leads to poor quality screen time, including web browsers and social media platforms. In addition, there is not an App Store on the phone accessible to children. A selection of beneficial apps that have been approved by a board of therapists are available for parents to add to the phone in the parent portal. With Pinwheel, children can establish healthy tech behaviors for life. Use promo code WAITUNTIL8TH to get 10% off the Pinwheel phone.

Light Phone 2

The Light Phone 2 is exactly what parents have been looking for in a phone for their kids.  With its chic design, it has a "cool factor" beyond any basic phone without all the garbage that comes with a sleek smartphone.   The Light Phone 2 does not have feeds, social media, advertisements, news or email. The phone simply includes calling, texting, music, an alarm clock, and a calendar. 

Wisephone

Wisephone II is a phone that is safe for kids and perfect for parents who want to be more intentional with their time. It has no internet browser, no streaming, no social media, no apps, and no ads. The tools on the phone include calls, texts, calculator, clock, notes, music, maps, and camera. The cost of Wisephone II is $399. You have the flexibility to either bring your own carrier or use Techless' carrier service. Use code WAITUNTIL8TH for a discount.

The F1 flip phone from Sunbeam Wireless

The F1 flip phone from Sunbeam Wireless gives you and your family the tools you need, but without the distractions and potential dangers of most modern devices.  Built with daily use in mind, this durable flip phone is easy to use and can handle the bumps that life brings, while helping you focus on what is truly important. The F1 is available in several models. Each model offers a specific set of features, making it easy to find something that fits your needs. The phone is $195.

Do you think your child is ready for a smartphone?

Do you think your child needs a device beyond a basic phone? Before purchasing or giving an old smartphone to your child, be sure to check out this list of questions to confirm that your child is ready for a smartphone.  

Smartphones for Kids

Instead of purchasing an iPhone, consider one these smartphone options created for kids:

The Bark Phone

The Bark Phone is a Samsung phone with robust parental controls. Children can’t delete text messages without permission, download workaround VPNs, or change the parental controls set. Bark’s award-winning monitoring tool is built into the phone and scans your child’s texts, emails, social media, and apps for digital dangers and sends you alerts. For new smartphone users, parents can choose the starter plan for $29 per month where there is no internet browser or social media. As your child grows, you may update the plan without needing a new device to add additions such as the internet browser or social media.

troomi

With Troomi, your kids can graduate seamlessly from one level of responsibility to the next based on their needs and maturity. Start with a device that’s completely locked down with talk and texting only, then easily add device functionality from the Troomi Parent Portal—without having to replace hardware. Troomi has a basic parent portal with the ability to monitor and manage your child’s calls, texts, screen time and contacts. Troomi phones do not have social media platforms, games, or the app store. There is an option for a web browser on this phone.

Never start with a fully loaded smartphone

Remember to never give a child a fully loaded smartphone with all the bells and whistles to start. Go slowly! Allow time for the child to demonstrate responsibility and maturity before you allow the internet browser, access to the App Store and social media. If your child is starting with an iPhone, check out this guide to remove the internet browser, disable the App Store, and establish time limits and a curfew.

There are affiliate links above. We have researched these smartphone alternatives and do not recommend anything we would not approve of for our own families. We hope the information is helpful. If you decide to purchase a device, we may earn a small commission and you often get a better price. This helps us to continue to fund our mission to let more kids be kids longer without the distractions of a smartphone.