"One of the greatest parenting challenges our generation of parents will grapple with revolves around technology. While tech enhances our lives in many aspects, it is not without its downsides, especially for children whose brains and emotional regulation systems are still developing.
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Up until recently, smartphone use may have been widely normalized in our society. In fact, according to a study from 2021, 71 percent of kids have their own phone by age 12. By age 14, that number grows to 91 percent. However, there is a growing movement to delay smartphone use with the rise of organizations such as Wait Until 8th, which rallies parents together to delay smartphone use until 8th grade as well as advocates for phone-free schools.
The decision of when and how to give your child a cellphone is highly personalized and based on the unique needs of your family. But if you are looking to delay smartphone use for your kids while still having the ability to communicate with them while they are away, keep reading for a handful of smartphone alternatives for kids as well as some benefits for doing so.
Benefits of Delaying Smartphone Use
Many of the biggest names in the tech industry have opened up about the smartphone rules they use for their own family. And they resoundingly are in favor of limiting and delaying smartphone and other tech use with their children. Coupled with the release of The Anxious Generation, a New York Times Bestseller that highlights how smartphone use contributes to mental illness in children, many parents are talking about the benefits of delaying smartphone use. These benefits include:
Improved sleep
As many of us can attest to based on our own personal experience, phone use prior to bed affects sleep. And there is research to back our experiences up! Sleep is particularly important for children and teens who are rapidly growing and developing, so keeping smartphones and other tech out of the bedroom is incredibly beneficial.
Better academic outcomes
While strategically used tech can enhance educational experiences, smartphones are found to be a distraction in schools. In fact, studies show they limit cognitive capacity when they are close by, even if they are turned off.
Lowers the risk of eating disorders
Smartphones with access to social media may contribute to an increased risk of eating disorders, particularly in teenage girls. These apps may provide a disordered view of body image for developing children who have a hard time deciphering fact from fiction on social media and the internet.
Improve mental health outcomes
Smartphone and social media use in kids has been associated with negative mental health outcomes across the board. Delaying smartphone use and setting boundaries for these platforms is likely to improve mental health outcomes for many children.
7 Smartphone Alternatives for Kids
Of course, many parents still want to give their kids some independence while being able to communicate with them if needed. Here are seven smartphone alternatives for kids to keep you connected.
Gizmo Watch 3
The Gizmo Watch 3 is a smartwatch with calling and text messaging capability specifically designed for kids. Parents approve all contacts, and there is no access to the internet. Location tracking is possible through the GizmoHub app.
Features include:
- Call & text messaging
- Location tracking
- Voice and video calling
- SOS button
- Touchscreen keyboard for easy typing
Pros:
- Parent-approved contacts only
- No internet access
- Multiple colors available
Cons:
- Only available on Verizon. Not compatible with other wireless carriers.
Parent Reviews of the Gizmo Watch:
“Gizmo watches have been the perfect first step into independence and responsibility for my daughters. They both got one when they turned 8 and have a set number of contacts they can call. It’s been helpful to be able to set expectations when they need be home, picked up, and call a few family members. I know friends who’ve had issues with charging, but ours have always just worked. And I haven’t used the tracking feature except when they’ve lost them 🙃”—Kathy S.
“This watch has been great for my family. My daughter was going to be traveling often this summer to various events, and the messaging/location capabilities gave me the peace of mind I was hoping for.” —Kristen
TickTalk 5 Smartwatch
4 colors available
$159.99 + service
$25 coupon available!
TickTalk watches allow for kids to voice or video call, text message, as well as stream music and podcasts for free with the iHeartRadio Family app. The watch also features location tracking, activity tracking, and the ability for parents to set reminders for their child via the TickTalk parent app.
Features include:
- Call & text messaging
- Location tracking
- Voice and video calling
- Music and podcast streaming
- Activity tracking
- Group chat
- SOS shortcut calling
- Calendar and reminders
- Camera
Pros:
- Robust messaging system with voice recordings, gifs, emojis, group chat
- No social media access
- Multiple colors available
- Long battery life
- Water-resistant, shockproof
Cons:
- Streaming capabilities (music, podcasts) may increase usage time
- Only available with T-Mobile and AT&T. Not compatible with other wireless carriers.
- Has camera access
Parent Reviews of the TickTalk Watch:
“I couldn’t be happier with the Tick Talk Smart Watch for my soon-to-be 6-year-old! It’s a perfect blend of fun and functionality, keeping my little one entertained with its engaging features while also providing me peace of mind thanks to key safety features. It’s easy to use, her favorite color, and her favorite accessory. My favorite features are the 2-way voice calling, video calling for the grandparents, and, of course, the location tracking. I love that it offers educational games, too.”—Erin C.
“We LOVE this watch for our 7-year-old! Gives us peace of mind with all its great features, especially the GPS. He needs a little extra help with time management, and this is such a wonderful tool for him. He especially loves the family-friendly iheart radio music that it comes with. 10/10!” —Gladys K.
“I didn’t want to give a phone to my daughter yet but wanted her to be able to call me whenever she needed me. This watch is perfect for us, she loves it!” —Maria S.
Gabb Watch 3
The Gabb Watch 3 allows kids to stay connected to their family and friends with call and text features. It also functions as a fitness tracker and step counter and parents may enable a to-do list feature. Kids can practice responsibility by taking care of their digital pets.
Features include:
- Call & text messaging
- Location tracking with customizable safe zones
- Activity tracking
- SOS and emergency contact button
- Wireless charging
- Speech-to-text option
- Water-resistant, ultra strong Gorilla Glass
Pros:
- Parent-controlled focus and silent mode
- No social media access
- Multiple colors available
- Highly durable and water resistant
Cons:
- Ability to play games (Gabb Go) may increase usage time
- Only available with Gabb Wireless (although Gabb uses Verizon’s network.) Not compatible with other wireless carriers.
Parent Reviews of the Gabb Watch 3:
“I was nervous for my 5-year-old to use this. Her first piece of tech. Concerned she wouldn’t be able to navigate it or understand the functions. Obviously, there are some features that she’ll grow into, but the basics she has down, and it has been so helpful to have this form of communication.”—Lida
“We went to Six Flags for our summer vacation, and I was able to have both kids wearing a gabb watch, and it was great knowing that if either got separated from us, they could call us very easily. It didn’t happen, but the safety net was there, and it was great to know we were protected just in case. “—Sarah
SyncUP KIDS™ Watch
The SyncUP KIDS Watch is another smartphone alternative that allows for kids to stay connected to their family and friends via talk and text capabilities. It also features a dual camera for video calling, a flashlight, and Bluetooth pairing abilities.
Features include:
- Call and text messaging
- Video calling
- Camera for video calling and photos
- Location tracking with boundary alerts
- LED flashlight
- Game features
- Bluetooth pairing capability
- Task reminders
- School mode
Pros:
- School mode limits distractions while in the classroom
- Water-resistant
- Two band options
- No social media access
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Only available on T-Mobile
- Ability to play games may increase time spent on watch
Parent Reviews of the SyncUP KIDS Watch:
“All of the advertised features for this watch work as expected. We know when our kids leave the yard and when they leave school with the phone notifications, and we can track them live whenever we like. They can call, text, and send voice and video messages. There is a ‘school mode’ that locks out features like games and phone calls while the kids are in school.”—Sean
“I really love this product. My son has had this product for just over two years. The location features has a live tracking and another feature that will update it every 15 mins. They can call, text, take pictures and videos. My favorite part is the fact that they can only make and receive from the contacts you put in the watch.”—Zach
FitBit Ace LTE
The recently released FitBit AceLT smartwatch for kids ages 7+ is another smartphone alternative for kids. FitBit is known for its wearable activity trackers, so for kids who care about tracking activity—or parents who want to encourage more movement—this could be the right pick. However, unlike other watches connected to a phone number, FitBit requires the use of the app for communication between parent-approved contacts—who are also required to have the app.
Features include:
- Call, messaging, and location-sharing for up to 20 people (done through the Fitbit Ace app)
- Powered by Google
- The Noodle activity tracker records steps, jumps, and bounces
- Access to all games in the FitBit Arcade
- Screen made with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and comes with protective bumper case
- Water-resistant
- 16+ hours of battery life and fast-charging
- Tap to pay coming soon
Pros:
- Active games encourage movement
- Parent-approved contacts only
- Durability features with kids’ in mind
- Parental controls allow caregivers to limit usage
- No social media access
- Slightly less expensive than an Apple Watch
Cons:
- Communication is only available through the Fitbit Ace app.
- For users under 13, requires parent and child Google accounts and parent’s use of Fitbit Ace app on parent’s compatible phone.
- Activity tracker could be a pro or a con depending on what’s best for your child
- Games may increase usage time
Parent Reviews:
“The watch is great. The OS, games, and build quality all seem great,” wrote Reddit user @beachbaler18; however, they wanted to make sure other parents were aware that “the only way you can communicate with the watch is through the app. Which means no kids can communicate with each other (to other Fitbit Aces or any other watch). So it is only a direct line of communication between the parents (or other adults willing to download the app) and the child.”
Apple Watch
The popular Apple Watch can be modified for use by kids without them needing their own iPhones. It features calling and text messaging abilities, activity tracking, location tracking, as well as access to the app store and Apple Cash.
Features include:
- Call & text messaging
- Location tracking
- Activity tracking
- SOS button
- Schooltime mode restricts notifications and apps
- Water-resistant, durable
- Ability to listen to music with Apple Music
Pros:
- Works with existing cellular plan
- Parent-controlled Schooltime mode
- Durable and water-resistant
- Works with existing Apple products if you have them
- Enable Find My Device to track if lost
Cons:
- Access to App store
- Access to internet
- May want a screen protector for kid’s use
- Parent needs an iPhone to set up
Parent Reviews of the Apple Watch for Kids:
“The Apple Watch was the perfect solution for our family when our daughter started middle school. We needed a way to be in touch with her as she often stayed afterschool or rode her bike to extra curricular activities. We were not ready to get her a smartphone. The Apple Watch gave her the independence she craved while still looking cool and gave us peace of mind and an easy way to keep tabs on her whereabouts. There are several great parental control features that you can pre-set for specific recurring times/days and the data plan on a smart watch is much more affordable than on a smart phone.”—Amanda H.
“I 100 percent love that my daughter has it and would do it all over again… The watch has been 100 percent reliable, with using a screen protector full time she hasn’t cracked the screen. She swims with it on all summer long and I doubt she remembers to put it in water mode all the time. I will say though the cellular connection must not be as good as a phone as it is more likely to cut out, but were in a challenging location for cell signals.”—Reddit user @toddriffic40
Gabb Phone
The Gabb Phone is one of the top “dumb phones” on the market that look like a smartphone, increasing its appeal to kids versus an old-school flip phone, but does not have access to the internet or social media. It comes with a selection of preloaded and parent-enabled apps as well as the ability to stream music and its own messenger app. Select the plan that works for your family, limiting or allowing access to apps.
Features include:
- Call & text messaging
- Location tracking
- Camera
- Variety of preloaded & parent-enabled apps
- Gabb Messenger system
- Gabb Maps system
Pros:
- Multiple service plans to meet your family’s needs
- Enhanced spam-blocking capabilities
- No internet or social media access
Cons:
- Access to apps may increase screen time
- Not compatible with other wireless carriers
Parent Reviews of the Gabb Phone:
“I LOVE that she can communicate with me and friends anytime. I mostly love that once she’s done sending a text, she can put it away because there are no other distracting games or apps on it! She’s not constantly on her phone, which is amazing!!!”—Samantha W.
“The Gabb Phone has filled a void in the cellphone industry that desperately needed filling. Kids today have a need to be connected, but big tech industries have failed children and their families by not providing legitimately safe options! Thank you for finally giving parents a good option! It allows my child to feel connected in a safe way.”—Ashley M.
Dana Peters, R.D.
Dana is a writer and registered dietitian specializing in family and kids nutrition living in the Chicago suburbs. From healthy family eating to reliable baby gear to wellness for moms, she has covered it all. She is mom to Charlie and Eva, a wannabe baker, and a farmer’s market enthusiast.