These days, kids of all ages are getting their hands on their own phones for various reasons, be it gaming, communicating with parents, watching their favorite shows, or for educational purposes. Previously we explored the best age for children to get their first device. Whatever the reason, parents do their best to ensure that kids’ phones are not only functional but also safe, while also taking into consideration the amount of screen time their children are allowed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
1. Less than 1-2 hours of entertainment screen time per day for children.
2. Discourage the use of any screen media by children under two years.
3. That parents use smartphones together with their children.4. Engage them in discussions about healthy media use.
It’s all so easy and makes so much sense! Using healthier habits when it comes to using technology will benefit them vastly in the future. Make sure you and your children are on the same page when it comes to them getting their first phone. Set clear guidelines and boundaries and ensure they are adhered to, and be clear about the consequences of any breaches of your guidelines.
Here are the best smart phones for kids and the benefits of each:
Creating Healthy Habits: Blabloo $175
A popular choice, Blabloo provides tools that help parents monitor their children’s first smartphone use in a safe, easy, and stress-free way. Blabloo can be used like any other Android smartphone, the only difference being that parents can restrict the use of some apps and features. The device enables parents to teach their children healthy smartphone habits from day one by removing the screen in just one click.
First Phone: Jitterbug Flip $79.99
The Jitterbug Flip phone allows users to talk, text, and take photos, but doesn’t connect to the internet. This popular device has simple features making the no-frills smartphone ideal for young kids with all the safety benefits to keep parents’ minds at ease. It also includes simple navigation, an easy-to-read display screen, big buttons, a simple ‘yes and no’, and emergency button features.
Photos & Music: iPod touch $199.00
The popular iPod Touch is a favorite with parents and kids. It comes with most of the features of the iPhone but has no access to a cellular network. That means kids can play games, use FaceTime, listen to music, and take photos, but they can only access the internet or make phone calls when there is available approved Wi-Fi. Parents can also use the iOS parental controls to set content and privacy restrictions and prevent kids from making in-app or other purchases, very handy!
For Little Ones: Relay Kids Phone Alternative $49.99
This interesting smartphone alternative comes in the form of a screen-free device that functions as a walkie-talkie device and GPS tracker. The simple walkie-talkie allows little ones to press and hold the big button so they can leave family members a message, which they receive immediately on their Relay app. The phone comes in 5 colors and offers various channels that allow kids to listen to music and hear jokes.
For Big Kids: iPhone SE $429.00
iPhone SE is really ideal for big kids! It features a dual-core processor with up to 64GB storage capacity—perfect for storing all their favorite apps, games and songs on one device—and can connect to 5G networks so they can get online wherever they go. In addition, it has a front-facing camera with FaceTime video calling capabilities so they can FaceTime their friends while they’re at school or hanging out at home with mom and dad.
This phone also has built-in parental controls so parents can keep tabs on what their kids are doing online without having to worry about losing control over their own devices!
Smartwatch: Gizmo Watch 2 $100.00
The GizmoWatch 2 is a great option if your kid is not ready to jump into a smartphone just yet. The watch programs up to 10 trusted contacts that kids can send voice notes to, call, or text.
It’s also very easy to set up by downloading the GizmoHub on the parent’s phone in which every aspect of the watch can be controlled. The water-resistant feature makes it less likely to be lost or damaged.
The safety feature, GPS locator, added more benefits to this smartwatch. There are also other features like a step tracker to encourage your kids to be active. With the well-thought-out safety and other amazing features, the GizmoWatch 2 is quite affordable.
Safe and Secure: Pinwheel Smartphone $199.00
If you’re a parent, you know how important it is to keep your kids safe. Pinwheel smartphone provides services that focus on kids’ safety and parental control. It has no internet browser or app store, but the phone includes apps pre-screened by therapists that parents can select from for approval. Parents also can disable certain apps before kids takes their phone to school, and turn on GPS location to know where they are at any time.
Parents can even view text messages and calls from their own phone (with the option of blocking incoming pictures) as well as add tasks or reminders to kids’ phone, such as a reminder to do homework.
Long Lasting Battery Life: Motorola Moto G Power $170.00
With a three-day battery life and 128 GB of storage, the 2022 Moto G Power is the perfect cell phone for kids. It’s durable and water-repellent, so kids can take it anywhere without fear of a drop or spill damaging the device. Fingerprint recognition provides extra security, and parental controls allow parents to access their kids apps, daily usage limits, and more.
The phone is compatible with most major carriers, including AT&T and Verizon, so parents can add it to their current family plan.
Kids can rely on the Moto G Power for their entire day without worrying about running out of battery life!
Strong and Durable: Palm Phone $349.00
When you have kids, it’s only a matter of time before they’re covered in mud or drenched in water. That’s why finding a cell phone that can take a beating is so important—because kids are always on the move!
The Palm Phone is small enough to fit in kids’ pocket or purse, and it can stand up to the elements with its water-resistant design. It also has a 13-hour battery life, so parents won’t have to worry about charging it every night at bedtime.
But that’s not all! With this phone, parents can monitor their kids’ location and activity via parental controls, so they know everything that’s going on with the kids at any given moment. The Palm Phone has an Android interface, so kids can browse through Google Play or stream music whenever they want!
Games: VTech KidiBuzz $99.00
Finally, on our list of the best phones for kids, the KidiBuzz phone comes preloaded with 44 games that explore math, science, and spelling. It allows kids to take photos and use photo filters, frames, and digital stickers. Vtech is an established kids electronics toy company, so they can control the phone’s call and text contact list as well as websites and app downloads. It comes with a durable case and shatter-proof screen required for all phones.
Hopefully, this list provides parents with a good starting point when considering the best phones for kids. For optimal use and safety, we recommend starting with a phone that doesn’t connect to the internet for young children, and going from there as the kids get older and more responsible. This list shows that there are some great options out there for kids who tick all the boxes.
The latest Eco-friendly kid’s phones can be found online from Beneko’s responsible marketplace. Just download the Beneko App available across 28 EU countries & UK.