resources
Smartphone Alternatives
Dumb phones
Old phones or ‘dumb phones’ are a great alternative to delay the use of smartphones. They offer essential telephone functions such as calls and text, and provide a simpler and less addictive user experience with no access to the internet, social media, or email.
Options include:
Trackers
Although not always recommended for this use, GPS trackers are a simple way of monitoring only the location of your child when they are away from the house. These devices ping the location back to an app on a parent’s smartphone and can be useful especially when children are venturing out alone for the first time.
Options include:
Smartwatches
These wearable devices are specifically designed for children, they are paired with a smartphone app on a parents phone and usually allow calls and messages between a small number of parent approved numbers. They also include GPS tracking and perhaps most importantly, health features that promote physical activity and fitness.
Options include:
