Choosing a starter phone for your child is a big decision! Starter phones act like training wheels - keeping kids connected with family while limiting exposure to the internet and other risks. Here's a list of the best kid-friendly phones with safety and usability in mind.
Top Starter Phones for Kids
1. The Bark Phone
- Price: Starts at $49/month (no contract).
- Features:
- A Samsung A13 with built-in Bark for monitoring.
- Robust parental controls: GPS tracking, app management, call blocking, and more.
- Sleek design that appeals to teens and tweens.
- Best For: Parents wanting comprehensive safety controls that grow with their child.
2. Pinwheel
- Price: From $199.
- Features:
- Locked-down phone with only approved apps via the Pinwheel Caregiver app.
- Allows for talk/text only at first, then apps can be added as kids mature.
- Comes preloaded with Bark for content monitoring.
- Best For: Families wanting a highly controlled, customizable experience.
3. KidzConnect
- Price: $199.95.
- Features:
- Basic flip-phone with no web access or apps.
- Program up to 15 contacts for texting/calling.
- Built-in GPS tracking with geofencing alerts.
- Best For: Younger kids needing simple communication and location tracking.
4. Gabb Z2 \udcf5
- Price: $149.99.
- Features:
- Looks like a smartphone but has no internet, games, or social media.
- Unlimited texting, group chats, and calling.
- GPS tracking included for location monitoring.
- Best For: Parents looking for a modern phone without the distractions of internet access.
5. Palm
- Price: $234.98.
- Features:
- Compact design with a smaller screen to limit excessive use.
- Internet access but customizable with Bark and Google Family Link for monitoring.
- Durable, kid-friendly build.
- Best For: Families wanting a balance between safety and flexibility.
Honorable Mentions
- Verizon Gizmo Watch \u231a
- Price: $99.
- Combines communication (calls/voice notes) and GPS tracking in a durable smartwatch.
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Best For: Very young kids not yet ready for a phone.
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Nokia 3310
- Price: From $85.
- Classic text-and-call-only phone with a long-lasting battery and no distractions.
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Best For: Families wanting a simple, nostalgic device for younger kids.
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iPod Touch
- Price: $149.
- Wi-Fi-enabled device with access to apps, iMessage, and web browsing.
- Can be monitored using Apple Screen Time and Bark.
- Best For: Older kids transitioning to smartphones without cellular service.
Choosing the Right Phone for Your Child
- Safety First: Opt for phones with parental controls and monitoring tools like Bark or Family Link.
- Simplicity vs. Features: Start simple (flip phones) for younger kids; older kids may need a more flexible option.
- Set Ground Rules: Sit down with your child and create a tech contract outlining phone rules, usage times, and expectations.
The right starter phone will help your child learn responsibility while staying safe. Choose what works best for your family and let the tech journey begin!