Stay Connected
Alternative Devices
Nobody needs a smartphone to stay in touch. Most of what follows is aimed at kids, but some of these devices are worth a look for adults, too.
Start here
Classic landlines
Home base, every ageA traditional landline still earns its keep: everyone in the house can be reached, kids learn phone manners and emergency-calling skills, and there is nothing to scroll. If you have the option, it's the simplest place to start.
WiFi landlines
Youngest kids · at homeModern home phones built for kids: approved-contacts-only calling over your WiFi, no apps, no internet, no screen time. Kids build independence by making plans with friends on their own, and practice phone etiquette while they're at it.
Smartwatches
Elementary & middle school · on the goNo child needs a device to ride the bus or walk to practice. Kids got along fine without them for millennia, and yours will too. But if you decide you want one, a kids' watch limits it to calling and texting a short list of approved contacts, with no social media, browser, or app store.
“Dumb” phones
Middle & high school · ready to textA true basic phone, flip or minimalist, covers calls and texts and stops there. No internet browser, no social media, no app store. For middle and even high schoolers, this is all a kid actually needs. It's worth considering for yourself as well, if you want more of your own time and attention back.
Dumb Wireless
A curated shop for the world's best non-smartphones. Philly-based!
Sunbeam F1 Flip
A modern flip phone with turn-by-turn navigation and no browser.
Light Phone
The minimalist phone, designed to be used as little as possible. Great for older teens (and parents).
Dumphone 2
A flip phone with calls, texts, and a short list of preloaded tools like maps and music. No browser, no app store.
- Great for adults too
dumb.co
A flip phone with all the basics. This is a great option for a family “loaner” phone or a child's first basic phone. It can also work as a companion phone, forwarding calls and texts from a smartphone you already have, which makes it great for any adults who want to test out dumb phone life.
Limited-feature phones
Middle & high school · a smartphone look, without the restThese look like regular smartphones — which can matter to teens — but strip out the internet, social media, and app store. A fine option, but never necessary: a basic phone does the same job.
Gabb Phone
Looks like a smartphone; calls and safe texting without internet or social media.
Bark Phone (Starter Plan)
The starter plan is calls and texts only, with Bark's monitoring.
Pinwheel Phone
Parent-managed phone with a curated app library. No social media.
Wisephone
A distraction-free phone with just the essential tools.
PA Unplugged is not compensated for these recommendations. Always verify current features and pricing on each provider's site.
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