Smartphone Alternatives
With landlines mostly a thing of the past, parents are seeking ways to get in touch with their kids, even as they choose to delay smartphone ownership. This is a very real need. And we support this need to communicate. Different families also need different features on a phone. Some place a high value on texting capabilities while others just want an easy way to call their kids. Our concern with smartphones does not center around the calling and texting capabilities (although, obsessive texting can be an issue for some kids). Our concern is that smartphones are giving kids constant, unrestricted access to social media, gaming and the internet, and are replacing face-to-face communication and other healthy activities, like traditional methods of development and physical activity. When developmentally appropriate, introducing kids to devices slowly can be beneficial. Learn more here.
Regardless of which device you choose for your child, you should establish a family media plan and basic phone etiquette rules, like no devices in bedrooms, at the dinner table or in the car. Another easy rule: People Come First. You can find examples of Family Media Plans and other suggestions right here on our site.
While we do not endorse any of these products, we have done a tiny bit of research for you and listed some options here. Please know that technology is quickly changing and these products come and go. If you find a product that works for your family, let us know by emailing us.
Also, don’t be afraid of free-range parenting. Many families choose to let their children go out on their own and figure it out. Of course, this is a personal decision and depends upon many variables, included where you live, age of your child and preparedness.
Gabb Phone
This “Light” Phone is specifically designed for kids. There is no App Store, no browser, no social media, no gaming. The phone has calling and texting capabilities, as well as front/back cameras, calendar app, alarm, calculator and FM radio. You can view the number and times of texts and calls from a parent portal. In March 2020, they will launch a second version with group and picture texting. This phone meets all EMF standards and requirements.
The current cost of the phone is $99.99 and unlimited talk and text is $19.99/month with no long-term contract. Gabb runs on its own cellular network built into America’s leading 4G LTE network which offers reliable service. It is available in the lower 48 states.
Learn more at Gabb Wireless. As a TLO member, you’re eligible for 10% off. Just use coupon code TLOGABB at checkout. A portion of sales made using this code are donated to TLO. GABB often runs promotions, so keep an eye out for those.
LightPhone
The newly released LightPhone II is a sleek, small phone designed to be used to get things done. It has the basics - text, call, alarm, calendar, calculator, notes and an E-Ink screen (similar to a Kindle). The phone does have WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities but no browser. GPS locator, taxi and music are currently being developed for the phone. Tools can be added via a web-based dashboard. There is no camera, browser, social media, games or App Store. Images sent from other phones to LightPhone will not come through. There is no way to monitor usage. This phone also runs on the 4G LTE network through AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile with call forwarding (from an existing phone) or an existing SIM card. You can also purchase a plan through Light, which runs on AT&T, for $30/month. The current cost of the phone is $350.
Learn more at The Light Phone.
Non-Smartphones
Believe it or not, the types of mobile phones most of us first used to communicate are still around today. They provide users with the ability to make calls and most have basic texting capabilities. Some still provide access to the internet, so make sure you thoroughly research options to find a product that works for your family. While many phones can be dumbed-down or have features removed, kids can usually figure out how to access these features.
This article highlights a range of products and discusses their best features.
FLIP PHONES
Flip phones are noted for having better battery life and for being more rugged, two features that are vital for tweens and teens. This article reviews the best flip phones on the market.
The Best 8 Flip Phones of the Market
Many parents tell us that it’s less expensive for them to hand down an old smartphone to their kids but at less than $14/month, these basic Verizon phones are great options.
Please be aware that most flip-phones do not operate on a 4G Network and will become obsolete in the coming years. If the flip phone is a temporary fix, this probably isn’t an issue for you.
RELAY
We aren’t the only ones concerned about kids having smartphones. Republic Wireless CEO Chris Chuang also agrees. Born from this concern came years of research which ultimately gave way to the Relay. This walkie-talkie like product is great for youngsters who just need a way to call home.
Republic Wireless Announces Screenless Phone for Kids
We aren’t the only ones who think this device is cool.
PHONE AND “SMART” WATCHES
Watches are a great option for kids on the go and parents who want to keep track of them. Most watches have safety features, like GPS tracking, emergency calling and geofences, as well as calling and texting capabilities. Beware of watches that give kids access to games and the internet. That tiny screen spells trouble for developing eyes. And please make sure you understand all features before purchasing. This article details many available products on the market and many Promise parents are having success with the Gizmo.
DUMBING-DOWN YOUR SMARTPHONE
Not a bad idea for parents as well as kids, many people are opting to dumb-down their smartphones by removing apps in the Screen Time setting. Certainly, there are many ways to reduce your smartphone’s grip on your attention and your life. If you choose this route for your kids, please know that kids are smart….and very tech savvy. Most can figure out how to add apps, internet and other features back onto a smartphone quicker than you removed them. We’ve heard of kids hiding apps on smartphones, too.
Here are a few articles on how and why you should dumb-down your smartphone.
Why You Should Make Your Smartphone Dumb
Why it’s Smart to Dumb-Down your Smartphone
MUST READ: 12 Ingenious iOS Screen Time Hacks and How to Beat Them: Remember, your kids are smart, but you’re smarter!