Dumb phones for kids: Should I give my child a low-tech device?

Whether it’s watching videos on TikTok, chatting to friends on Snapchat, or playing games on Roblox, kids are spending more time than ever on their smartphones. Some parents, concerned about keeping screen time safe and in check, might think about ditching the all-singing-and-dancing smartphone in favor of something more basic.

But is a low-tech device, or “dumb phone”, the right choice for your child?

What are dumb phones?

A dumb phone, sometimes known as a “feature” or “brick” phone, is a mobile device with basic functionalities that contrasts with the modern smartphone and its endless possibilities. Dumb phones can range from the very basic, allowing the user to call and SMS only, to ones with limited smartphone-like features such as internet access and light versions of apps like WhatsApp.

Although dumb phones are reminiscent of pre-iPhone devices from the ‘90s and 2000s, manufacturers still produce these stripped-down phones as demand for them is strong, despite smartphones being more advanced and affordable than ever. In 2017, Nokia relaunched its iconic 3310 phone, 12 years after it was originally discontinued – complete with an updated Snake game.

People might choose a dumb phone over a powerful iPhone or Android for a variety of reasons – the main one being to reduce screen time and digital distractions, so they can be more creative or present with loved ones. Others might be looking to save money or to simply use a device whose battery makes it to the end of the day (or week!)

Unsurprisingly, older adults often gravitate toward these types of phones due to their simplicity – but they’re not the only ones. Gen Z is also showing a growing interest in dumb phones, thanks to the increasing awareness of the negative effects of excessive screen time, and the generation’s nostalgia for everything ‘90s and ‘00s.

Why might a parent consider giving their child a dumb phone?

Despite Gen Z’s trend toward them, not all kids and teenagers would go for a basic phone with no social media, given the choice. But some parents might see a dumb phone as a wise option for their child’s first phone for several reasons:

1. To reduce screen time

Social media, streaming, and gaming apps make smartphones impossible to put down at times – even for us adults. Giving your child a dumb phone can help them develop healthier screen habits by simply removing the fun aspects of a smartphone.

Even Snake gets boring after a while.

2. To keep them safe

Without social media and gaming apps, your child will be less likely to be contacted by strangers and potentially become a victim of cyberbullying or online predation. While some dumb phones offer internet access, the low-resolution display and lack of video-playing capabilities limit the chances of your child encountering or looking for adult content.

3. To save money

It might not do a lot for their street cred, but dumb phones are generally cheaper to buy than smartphones, and so it will be less of a big deal if your child breaks or loses their first phone. You’ll also save on data plans and in-app purchases.

4. To teach them digital responsibility

In our 2024 report, almost half of the parents surveyed said they gave their kids a smartphone too early. Giving your child a dumb phone as their first phone can serve as a stepping stone to a more advanced device later in adolescence – if they show an appropriate level of responsibility.

The downsides of dumb phones

While giving your child a dumb phone can help them develop healthy digital habits, it has several big drawbacks you need to know about.

Lack of location tracking. Families often use location-sharing apps to track kids’ whereabouts and ensure their safety. Most dumb phones lack GPS or other location-tracking features, which could be a major worry if your family is used to relying on such tools.

Social exclusion. We might have forgotten how important it was to fit in at school, but peer influence is likely alive and well in your child’s life. It shouldn’t be this way, but the truth is your child and their low-tech device may get excluded, shamed, or even bullied by their smartphone-owning schoolmates.

No group chats. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger are useful for keeping family members and friends connected. Without group chats, your child might get left out of friend groups, family chat, school projects, and more.

Limited parental controls. Although smartphones are more likely to expose your child to dangers lurking online, parents can at least monitor their activities and set restrictions where necessary. A basic dumb phone would not offer anything close to the intuitive safety features available for iPhone or Android devices.

Missed opportunity to learn. When used responsibly, smartphones can be a great way for your child to develop their digital skills and build a healthy relationship with technology.

What are the alternatives to dumb phones for kids?

A dumb phone is one solution for parents wanting to keep their kids safe online, but considering its drawbacks, it’s worth considering some alternatives.

1. A smartphone with parental controls

Along with some constructive conversation and boundary setting, comprehensive parental tools can go a long way to keeping your child safe on any iPhone or Android phone. Kids can access educational, communication, and location-sharing apps, while being protected from dangerous or concerning platforms. Parents can keep an eye on their kids’ online activity and direct messages, set screen time rules, and more. All of which is impossible with the basic functionality of a dumb phone.

2. Smartphones for kids

When choosing a first phone for their child, some parents opt for a smartphone specifically designed with kids’ safety in mind. Kid-friendly smartphones, such as those available from Pinwheel, offer a middle ground between a dumb phone and an iPhone or Android. They vary in their functionality, but often feature location-sharing, built-in parental controls, and a curated app library that doesn’t include social media apps.

These types of phones aren’t easily available and are expensive compared with entry-level smartphones, with far fewer capabilities. Their lack of functionality can frustrate kids, especially as they get older.

3. Delay giving them their first phone

Some parents choose to hold out on giving their kids a smartphone, preferring to wait until they have shown a certain level of maturity and responsibility. This can reduce the risk of them being exposed to inappropriate content before they’re ready, as well as building the foundation for healthy tech use later in life.

The major downside of delaying giving them their first phone is the loss of communication – we rely on mobile phones to keep in touch with our kids and vice versa, this is especially true for blended or separated families. Other drawbacks include social exclusion that could lead to bullying, no location-tracking to keep tabs on their whereabouts, and a missed opportunity to learn digital skills early.

Dumb phones for kids: A final recommendation

Some parents opt to give their child a dumb phone as their first phone as a safety measure and to instill healthy digital habits from a young age. There is solid logic in this – the lack of social media and other apps means a child is less likely to be exposed to inappropriate content and be contacted by strangers. On the other hand, having a dumb phone can lead a child to be excluded from their peers, and on a safety level, many parents wouldn’t be comfortable giving their kids a device without location tracking.

Alternatives to giving your child dumb phone include waiting until they’re mature enough to use a smartphone responsibly, and giving them a smartphone specifically designed with child safety in mind. However, the best all-round option for most parents is to give them a regular smartphone with comprehensive parental controls installed. This way, a child can own a “regular” iPhone or Android, connect easily with friends and family, and start building essential tech skills – all while a parent can keep an eye on their activity, manage their screen time, and keep them safe from online dangers.