📟 Dumbphones
✦
28 oct. 2024
✦
5 min read
As a parent, you can be worried about how much time your children spend on the internet and the kind of content they're exposed to. Too much screen time can affect your child's health and focus in school. A good way to avoid this is by getting your child a dumb phone.
Dumb phones are simple devices that allow calls and texts but often they do not have internet access or apps. This makes them a great choice for kids who need a way to stay in touch without the distractions of a smartphone. In this article, we show you the 10 best dumb phones for kids.
Why You Should Give A Dumb Phone To Your Kid
Giving your child a dumb phone can help limit screen time and distractions. Many kids spend too much time on smartphones, which can lead to problems like poor sleep and trouble focusing. A dumb phone allows them to communicate without the endless apps and games that can take away their attention. This helps kids learn to manage their time better and focus on important tasks.
As a parent, we were all teenagers once and we remember what it's like and the silly decisions we made on the internet. Getting your child a dumb phone is a great way to keep them safe for a few more years until they're at the age to make solid decisions.
A dumb phone also encourages kids to interact with others in real life. Instead of staring at a screen, they can play outside, join activities, or spend time with friends and family. Live a real kid's life. This promotes physical activity, boosts their immune system (nature exposition), and helps build social skills. Kids learn how to communicate face-to-face, which is very important for their growth - especially in today's society.
Safety is another reason to consider a dumb phone. You want to be able to talk or text your kids especially during an emergency. With a dumb phone, you can feel more secure knowing your child has a way to reach you without the risks of the internet. A basic phone allows for calls and texts, keeping kids connected while protecting them from harmful content online.
11 Best Dumb Phones for Kids
#1 – F1 Horizon by Sunbeam Wireless - Our Top Choice Dumb Phone for Kids
The F1 Horizon by Sunbeam Wireless stands out as one of the most customizable dumb phones for kids. Parents can choose specific features like whether to include a camera or a picture manager. For example, options like the Lark or Swan models allow you to get a phone without a camera, making it perfect for younger children who may not need those features.
This customization is beneficial because it lets parents tailor the phone to their child's specific needs. If a child is very young, having no camera can help reduce distractions and keep them focused on communication. Older kids might appreciate having some features while still avoiding the overwhelming options found in smartphones.
Additionally, this level of customization gives parents peace of mind. They can feel confident that the phone is suitable for their child's age and maturity level. With the ability to adjust features, parents can ensure their kids stay connected without unnecessary distractions or risks.
#2 – Punkt MP02 - Best Secure Dumb Phone for Kids
The Punkt MP02 is a great choice for kids because of its minimalist design and easy-to-use interface. The phone has a simple layout that makes calling and texting straightforward. With just a few buttons, children can quickly learn how to use it without getting overwhelmed by complicated features.
This phone is primarily focused on privacy and security, which is important for young users. The MP02 has a rugged OS that protects personal data from attacks. It includes the Pigeon app, which allows secure messaging through the Signal protocol, ensuring that conversations remain private. This focus on security makes it a smart option for parents who want to keep their kids safe while they communicate.
The lack of internet access on the phone itself means kids can only go online through other devices, reducing the risk of exposure to inappropriate content. The MP02 offers a balance of communication and safety that makes it an excellent dumb phone for kids.
#3 & #4 – Light Phone II & III - Best Minimalist Dumb Phone for Kids
The Light Phone II and the Light Phone III are excellent choices for kids who need a minimalist and cool device. Their simple design focuses on essential functions like calling and texting without the distractions of social media or games. This means children can communicate easily while avoiding the overwhelming features of a smartphone, helping them stay focused on what matters.
The Light Phone focuses on mindfulness by encouraging kids to be present in their daily lives. Without constant notifications or endless scrolling, children can learn to enjoy their surroundings and engage with friends and family. The Light Phone II and III help create a balanced relationship with technology, allowing your children to connect without being consumed by it.
#5 – Wisephone II - Best Modern Dumb Phone for Kids
The Wisephone II is designed to look like a smartphone. Its design helps prevent bullying, as kids can have a phone that feels modern without the distractions of apps and social media. This makes it easier for your children to fit in with their peers while still keeping their focus on important tasks.
This phone limits access to distracting apps, allowing only essential functions like calling and texting. The Wisephone II also includes a camera and GPS. Kids can take pictures and share moments without getting lost in endless social media feeds, making it a balanced choice for young users.
#6 – Gabb Phone - Best Kid Friendly Dumb Phone
The Gabb Phone is specifically designed for children, making it a great choice for parents. It includes strong parental controls that allow you to manage your child's contacts and monitor their communication. The phone also offers educational tools, helping kids learn while staying connected.
One unique feature of the Gabb Phone is its selection of kid-friendly apps. These apps are pre-approved and designed to be safe for children. Your children can enjoy music, games, and messaging without the risks that come with social media or internet browsing. This ensures that they have fun while using their phone in a safe environment.
Additionally, the Gabb Phone includes features like GPS tracking, which helps parents keep an eye on their child's location. This adds an extra layer of safety, allowing parents to know where their kids are at all times. With its combination of safety features and educational content, the Gabb Phone is an excellent choice for parents who want to give their children a phone that is both fun and secure.
#7 – Pinwheel Phone - Best Simple Dumb Phone for Kids
The Pinwheel Phone is designed with safety in mind, making it an excellent choice for kids. One of its key features is GPS tracking, which allows parents to know their child's location at all times. This feature is important for peace of mind, as it helps ensure that kids are safe when they are out and about. Additionally, the phone includes emergency alerts, so children can quickly reach out for help if needed.
Another great aspect of the Pinwheel Phone is its focus on controlled communication. It allows only pre-approved contacts, meaning kids can only text and call people that parents have chosen. This restriction helps protect your children from unwanted interactions and ensures they communicate with trusted friends and family members. Parents can easily manage contacts through the online caregiver portal, adding an extra layer of security.
The Pinwheel Phone also offers a selection of therapist-approved apps that are safe for children. These apps are carefully chosen to provide educational content without the risks associated with social media or harmful websites. With its strong safety features and simple design, the Pinwheel Phone is a smart choice for parents who want to give their kids a phone that keeps them connected while ensuring their safety.
#8 – Troomi - Best Dumb Phone for Kids with Parental Control
Troomi is an excellent dumb phone for kids, focusing on strong parental control features. The robust parental control app allows parents to monitor calls and texts easily. Parents can see who their child is talking to and what messages they are sending and receiving, ensuring safe communication. This level of oversight helps parents feel secure about their child's phone use.
In addition to monitoring, Troomi offers website filtering and app blocking. Parents can choose which websites their kids can visit and block any harmful content. This means children cannot access social media or other distracting apps that might lead them away from their studies or other important activities. The ability to control what kids can see online adds another layer of protection.
Troomi also allows parents to approve contacts, so kids can only communicate with people that have been chosen by their parents. This feature helps prevent unwanted messages from strangers and keeps interactions safe. Overall, Troomi is a smart choice for parents who want a phone that combines safety, communication, and control for their children.
#9 – Bark Phone - Best Dumb Phone with Cyberbullying Defense System
The Bark Phone is a unique dumb phone that focuses on detecting and preventing cyberbullying through advanced AI monitoring. This phone scans text messages and social media for any signs of harmful behavior. If it finds anything concerning, it sends alerts to parents. This feature helps keep kids safe from online dangers and allows parents to respond quickly if needed.
In addition to its cyberbullying defense system, the Bark Phone offers call and text monitoring. Parents can see who their child is talking to and what they are saying. This level of oversight ensures that kids are communicating safely and responsibly. The phone also has features like contact approval, so children can only communicate with people that parents have chosen.
The Bark Phone includes GPS tracking, allowing parents to know their child's location at all times. With these safety features, parents can feel more secure about their child's phone use. The Bark Phone is an excellent choice for families who want a device that protects kids from cyberbullying while also allowing for safe communication.
#10 – CleanPhone - Best Digital Detox Champion Dumb Phone for Kids
The CleanPhone is designed to promote digital detox and help kids reduce screen time addiction. This phone encourages children to take breaks from their screens and focus on the world around them.
Here's a video showing the phone and its parental control area: CleanPhone Vs Gabb Wireless | Kids Cell Phones
One of the key features of the CleanPhone is its ability to block certain apps and websites but also to enable/disable the internet/camera/calls/Bluetooth... Parents can set time limits on phone use, ensuring that kids do not spend too much time on their devices. This helps create a balance between staying connected and enjoying offline activities.
The CleanPhone allows parents to monitor their child's usage, giving them control over how the device is used. This feature helps ensure that kids are using their phones in a safe and responsible way.
#11 – KidsConnect KC2 - Best Dumb Phone for Kids with Large Buttons
The KidsConnect KC2 is a great dumb phone designed specifically for younger children. It features a simple user interface that makes it easy for kids to use. The phone has a durable design and a straightforward layout that helps your children quickly learn how to make calls and send texts without getting confused.
One of the standout features of the KC2 is its large buttons. These buttons are easy to press, making it suitable for little fingers. The phone also includes pre-programmed contacts, allowing children to call only trusted family members and friends. This feature helps keep kids safe by preventing them from contacting strangers or unwanted numbers.
Additionally, the KidsConnect KC2 comes with useful safety features like GPS tracking and an SOS button for emergencies. Parents can monitor their child's location and receive alerts if needed. The KC2 is an excellent choice for parents looking for a simple, safe phone that meets the needs of younger children while promoting responsible communication.
Alternative Solution: Give Your Old iPhone And Install Jomo On It
If you have an old iPhone, you can easily repurpose it into a dumb phone. How is this possible? The Jomo app is a productivity app that allows you control screen time usage and block distracting apps and websites on your iPhone. You can use the Jomo app to turn your old iPhone into a basic dumb phone for your child. You can block the unnecessary apps and features, making it easier for them to stay on track without the temptations of a smartphone.
With features on the Jomo app like scheduled sessions and app blocking, Jomo ensures that children can still communicate while avoiding the distractions of social media and games. This makes it an excellent tool for parents who want their kids to have a safe and focused phone experience. If you want to turn your old iPhone into a dumb phone for your kids, here's a quick step-by-step guide for you.
Download and Install Jomo: Start by downloading the Jomo app from the App Store and install it on your old iPhone.
Add your custom template: Open the Jomo app, navigate to the "Rules" section, and select "Sessions." Then, click on "Add Template" to create a new usage plan.
Choose a Nice Title and Emoji: Give your template a fun title and choose an emoji that represents it. This makes it easy for you and your child to recognize the plan.
Set Blocked Content: In the "Blocked Content" section, choose "All except…" and leave out essential apps like Phone, Messages, Calendar, Notes, Calculator, Maps, or any apps you want to keep available.
Pick Timing Settings: In the "Timing" section, select "Scheduled" > "All day," and choose all repeating days. This way, the blocking session will apply at all times.
Create and Schedule Template: Tap “Create Template” to save your settings. Once your template is created, tap on it again and press “Schedule.” Congratulations! You have successfully turned your iPhone into a dumb phone with the apps you want your kids to access.
Dumb phones for kids offer many benefits, including safety, focus, and simplicity. They allow children to communicate without the distractions of apps and social media. With features like parental controls and limited internet access, parents can feel secure knowing their kids are safe.
Overall, dumb phones help kids learn responsibility while staying connected to family and friends… the basic purpose of a mobile phone.
