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Best Smartphone Alternatives for Your Kids
Not ready to give your kid a cellphone, but still want to stay connected? Try these options!
Keiko Iwabuchi
Giving your child a smartphone is a major milestone and it's one that many parents feel hesitant about. Between concerns over screen time, kids scrolling social media, and general internet safety, it's understandable to want to delay this decision as long as possible.
However, the reality is that we still want to stay connected with our kids — whether it's for coordinating pickups, checking in during the day, or being available in case of an emergency.
Thankfully, there are several great alternatives to a full-fledged smartphone that can give you peace of mind while still keeping your child safe and reachable.
Here are five safe, kid-friendly options that provide essential communication features without the risks that come with a traditional smartphone.
TickTalk 5 Smartwatch
The TickTalk 5 is a smartwatch designed specifically for kids, making it a great option for younger children who aren't ready for the responsibility of a phone. It allows for calls, text messages and video calls between pre-approved contacts, so parents can stay in touch without worrying about their child contacting strangers.
One standout feature is the real-time GPS tracking, which lets you keep tabs on your child's location. The TickTalk 5 also includes fitness features like step counting and encourages healthy habits through activity goals.
Since it doesn't have access to social media or an internet browser, it's a much safer option for kids, giving them just what they need without the distractions and risks of a smartphone.
Bark Phone
The Bark Phone takes things up a notch in terms of safety. It's essentially a smartphone that comes fully integrated with Bark's parental controls, making it a solid choice for parents who want their children to have more functionality, but with strict supervision.
You can monitor your child's text messages, apps and even detect any potential signs of bullying, or inappropriate content through Bark's AI-powered tools.
With the Bark Phone, you control which apps and features are available. For example, you can allow phone calls and texts, while disabling the internet or social media apps entirely — we love this feature. Bark Phone is a great choice for tweens or kids starting to ask for more independence.
Verizon GizmoWatch 3
The GizmoWatch 3 by Verizon is another kid-friendly smartwatch that focuses on safety and communication. Like the TickTalk, it allows your child to make calls and send messages to a pre-approved list of contacts, so there's no worry about who they might be communicating with.
The built-in GPS tracking ensures that you can always see where your child is, making it easier to stay connected and provide peace of mind. The GizmoWatch also includes fun features, such as a step tracker and a voice recorder, making it appealing to younger kids.
Bonus perk? Since it's a watch, your child is less likely to lose it compared to a smartphone. It's durable, easy to use, and a safer option for kids.
Gabb Phone
The Gabb Phone is a great option for parents looking for a traditional-looking phone without the risks of the internet or social media.
Designed with simplicity and safety in mind, the Gabb Phone allows for calling and texting but completely blocks access to the internet, app stores, and social media platforms. It features a basic camera and music player but doesn't come with any of the apps that typically worry parents, like YouTube or TikTok.
For parents who want their child to have a phone for communication without exposing them to the distractions and dangers of the web, the Gabb Phone is a solid choice.
Pinwheel Phone
The Pinwheel Phone is another smartphone alternative that's designed with child safety in mind. It looks like a regular smartphone, but it's packed with parental controls, giving you the ability to monitor and control nearly every aspect of your child's phone usage.
The phone doesn't have access to the open internet or social media, making it a safer choice for kids who still need a way to communicate with family and friends.
Pinwheel's app store is carefully curated with apps that are educational and you can approve which ones your child can use. You also get detailed insights into how your child is using the phone, allowing you to guide them on healthy digital habits from the start.
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