These Are the 11 Best Cellphones for Kids

The question of when to get a kid their first cellphone isn't an easy one. While some parents on the younger side do remember having a phone as a kid, many parents didn't get one until middle or high school, and for the Gen X parents, much, much later. Seeing how technology impacts kids negatively can also make it harder for parents to make this decision. No one wants to give their kids a tool that can cause them to face cyberbullying or develop insecurities (even though a lot of these issues can be prevented by monitoring your child's online activity.)

Many parents will appreciate being able to guide their child in safely and effectively using a smartphone. While having a cellphone may open them up to many things, the ability to call a loved one in an emergency may make it worth any downside. Or even be a teachable moment. For parents who are ready to make the leap of faith and give their child a phone, there are ways to make the transition from no phone to having a phone as seamless as possible.

The Case for Getting Kids Cellphones

With a smartphone, there's constant access to the internet, but this also means parents can have more control over what their children can access through their mobile devices. Kids can have the security of a phone and be safe, which can alleviate parents' fears. Plus, as a writer at VeryWell pointed out), it can prevent kids from being isolated from their peers and keep them in the loop.

How Old Should Kids Be?

So what's the best age for a kid to start having a cellphone? According to The New York Times, "about 75 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States own a mobile phone, up from 45 percent in 2004, according to an April study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, part of the Pew Research Center." While the pressure to get them a phone younger is on, parents should base their decision on their kid.

iPhone 11 & Older iPhones

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AT&T
single icon $15 from ATT
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It's safe to say that iPhones are probably the most popular smartphones, so kids might want one of their own. The iPhone 11 is a couple of models back, so it's less costly, but it has just as good functionality. The 64 GB model costs about $14 a month to buy on a typical plan. The full retail price is $600. Kids will probably be happy to know they have a choice of six colors.

Gabb Z2 Phone

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Gabb

For parents who are a more cautious about giving their kids free reign of a smartphone, the Gabb Z2 phone is a safe option. According to the website, the phone "doesn’t have the Internet, social media or games." The basic plan allows just text messages ("Excluding images and group texts") and GPS location.

Pinwheel

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Pinwheel

The Pinwheel system provides both a phone and a monthly subscription service that lets parents fully control the phone and allow or restrict access to almost anything. It's all controlled from an app on the parent's phone. Phones cost around $200, and then it's $15 a month. Choices include "rugged" phones. The system is designed to help parents slowly allow kids more freedom and access to apps and features on the phone as they become more responsible.

VTech KidiBuzz G2

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Best Buy

The KidiBuzz G2 costs $105 and comes with "messaging, photography, games and music." Even YouTube Kids can be downloaded. It functions in a way that "parents get peace of mind knowing kids can play, connect safely and learn along the way." It's technically a communication device that operates off of Wi-Fi, not through a mobile carrier and SIM card.

Nokia TA 1190 Dual Band Unlocked International

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Amazon

This phone may look like a blast from the past for many parents, but it's a great option for parents who want to transition the kids over to a smartphone in the future. According to one Amazon reviewer, "PERFECT little phone. Has NO internet and NO camera. WORKS with t-mobiles prepaid $15 a month plan with unlimited talk and text. It does exactly what a PHONE is supposed to do. CALL PEOPLE."

Palm

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Palm
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The Palm phone is super popular for kids and is often sold out, but make sure to add these on the wish list to watch. There are different bundles, including a specific kids' bundle, which comes with a camera, the ability to "stream music. record GPS and (get) all of your favorite apps from Google Play." Plans start as low as $5 a month.

T-Mobile TIMEX Family Connect

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T-Mobile

This isn't a phone exactly, but it operates as one. It's like a kid version of a smartwatch with the ability to connect with others, with features including "two-way calling on 4G LTE, SOS alerts, real-time location sharing, voice & instant messaging, safe zone step counting, and active tracking." The cost is as low as $7 per month through T-Mobile.

Galaxy A02s

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Samsung

The Galaxy A02s is one of the parent-approved phones for kids to use. It's a smartphone, and according to one user can be used for "surfing, emails, reading, texting, photos and streaming." It's less than $3 with Samsung financing over a 24-month period. Samsung has some similar models for less than $200.

Apple iPod Touch (32GB)

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Amazon

An Apple iPod touch isn't a phone, it's more like a mini tablet, which was created for music. This version also has Wi-Fi and app capabilities. Kids can use all of the apps and programs meant for iPhones, but only through Wi-Fi. This may be a good option for kids who don't need to call from outside of home, school, or friends' homes very often.

Jitterbug Smart3

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Lively

The Jitterbug Smart3 is marketed as a phone for seniors, but it's also user-friendly and safe for kids. It's one of the "simplest" smartphones available. According to the phone page, the device includes features like a camera, internet access, video chat, and a simplified, list-based menu.

BLU Advance L5

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Amazon

This phone checks all the boxes for a first one for kids. It's affordable and gets the job done. It has a camera, 4-inch display, 32GB storage, and is app-compatible. This one is budget-friendly and comes unlocked. This one is a GSM model, so check compatibility with your carrier.

TracFone LG Classic Flip Prepaid

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Best Buy

We're throwing it back to flip phones. Parents may remember these phones as their first. It may not be a smartphone, but it's reliable. The TracFone LG Classic Flip comes prepaid, with pre-installed apps, access to the internet, a basic camera, and media players. This one is locked to the TracFone prepaid network, which may help in teaching about budgeting minutes and data use.

Kid Phone Plan: Just Kids Verizon Wireless Plan

Any type of plan that's compatible with the phone can be used, but some carriers offer special phone plans for kids. This can be helpful if the parents want to finance a phone over 24 months. One is the Verizon Just Kids Wireless Plan which is $25 a month and comes with "Unlimited data, talk & text to 20 parent-approved contacts." Plus, the ability to see what your kids are doing on their phone.

Mint Mobile Plans

Mint Mobile plans, which are on the T-Mobile 5G network, and are compatible with most smartphones and have low monthly purchase plans for older models of phones. The lowest plan is $15 a month, and around $45 if you finance a phone. The provider also has family plans available if there's more than one kid, or adult, that wants to be on it.

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