Giving a phone to a child exposes them to risks, so the decision to give them access to a cell phone should be made thoughtfully and considerably. Giving a phone to young children (under 10) should especially be considered by weighing the risks and benefits for your family.

 

We are not affiliated or endorsed by of these products.

 

Children Today & Cell Phones

 

Smartphones are changing the landscape for children. With technology evolving faster and faster, it is no wonder that a cell phone is probably at the top of the list for your child.

 

On average, children from birth to age 8 use about 2.5 hours of screen media a day (Source). Your child may begin imitating you on your phone before they can walk.

 

Many parents disclose their apprehension with purchasing a cell phone for their child. Concerns involve access to inappropriate content like pornography and sex. Other parents express the strong need for their child to have a phone based on their need to be able to contact them in an emergency.

 

There is no right answer for everyone, only the right answer for your family.

 

Regardless of when you decide to pull out your wallet for the big purchase, have the safety talk with your child so everyone can feel confident in the decision.

 

 

 

The 4 Safest Cell Phones For Your Kids

 

#1: Best Overall Safe Cell Phone – Gabb Phone

 

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Gabb Phones are designed for kids, with only the essentials includes. That means no Internet, no games, no social media.

 

The Gabb has the following 14 essential tools:

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Choose from the Gabb Phone or the Gabb Watch, then select your plan.

 

Pricing (pricing listed for blog publication date):

• Gabb Phone: $99.99 with plans at $19.99/month or $24.99/month
• Gabb Watch: $99.99 with contracts at $9.99/month or $12.99/month, or no-contract plans at $16.99/month

 

Honest review from parents:

• Why We Chose Gabb Wireless for Our Kids First Phone

 

 

#2: Best Phone for Teaching Healthy Habits – Pinwheel

 

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Get a phone for your child without having them become a screen zombie.

 

The Pinwheel phone changes modes throughout the day: school mode, night mode, free play mode, and more. Plus, there is no access to social media, ads, TV, or mindless games.

 

Have your phone be a positive gadget in your child’s life with the Pinwheel phone that builds healthy habits, teaches money management, and promotes wellbeing.

 

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Pricing (pricing listed for blog publication date):

• Phone: $149 – $249
• Software: $14.99/month + any cell service fees through your provider

 

Honest reviews from parents:

• Why I Chose Pinwheel as the Best First Phone Choice

 

 

#3: Best Wearable Phone – Verizon Gizmo Watch

 

 

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The GizmoWatch 2 is a kid-friendly smartwatch packed with safety features for parents (GPS locator, reminders, parental controls), while still having things your child will love too (step tracker, to-do lists with rewards, calling, voice notes, and texting).

 

Also, it’s waterproof!

 

Pricing (pricing listed for blog publication date):

• Phone: $99.99 retail, or $4.16 for 24 months
• One time activation fee of $35
• Plus any networking fees from provider

 

 

#4: Best Screen-Free Phone – Relay Kids Screenless Phone

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Relay device is the perfect “phone” for kids if you are looking to keep them safe without a screen.

 

There’s no Internet, and all your child has to do to contact you is press and hold the middle button, walkie-talkie style.

 

Attach the device to your kid’s book bag or jacket, and simply download the Relay app on your phone to connect with them and track where they are going. Simple, easy, no fuss.

 

Pricing (pricing listed for blog publication date):

• Phone: $49.99
• Plan: $9.99/month

 

Honest review from parents:

• 6 Reasons We Chose the Relay Device

 

Parental Controls on Cell Phones

Parental controls should be a must if your child has access to cell phone or other device that can access the Internet. Many of the above mentioned devices have easy-to-use parental controls, but you should think about parental controls for all devices in your home as well.

 

If you are not sure where to start with setting up parental controls, there are a variety of programs out there to help you set up parental controls with ease.

• Setting up parental controls for every digital device

 

Or, try one of the following apps, which Very Well Family organizes by needs:

 

The 5 Best Parental Control Apps of 2021

• Best Overall: Net Nanny
• Best for Older Teens: Moment
• Best for Younger Children: Qustodio
• Best for Overall Monitoring: Bark
• Best for Location Tracking: FamilyTime

 

If you are wondering how protected your children are with your current set up, you can take our 8-question interactive assessment.

 

Continued Cell Phone Safety For Your Family

 

Once your child gets their first cell phone, it’s important to keep them safe. This requires continued conversation, check-ins, and education.

 

Other organizations to help you as your family navigates the tech world:

• Reviews of products, apps, movies, games, and more: Common Sense Media
• Educating you on why waiting until 8^th grade could be a good decision for your child: Wait Until 8^th
• Help your family be porn-resilient and predator-proof: Protect Young Eyes
• Online safety education program with videos and games for kids: NetSmartz
• Helping kids recognize their self-worth is separate from their online choices: iRespect&Protect

 

 

Sources

https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/internet/best-phones-for-kids/

https://www.fatherly.com/gear/best-basic-phones-kids/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-parental-control-apps-4779963