{"id":92059,"date":"2025-09-04T09:37:48","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T09:37:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/?p=92059"},"modified":"2025-09-04T09:37:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T09:37:55","slug":"dumb-phones-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/dumb-phones-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Dumb phones for kids: Should I give my child a low-tech device?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”14px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]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.<\/span><\/p>\n

But is a low-tech device, or \u201cdumb phone\u201d, the right choice for your child?<\/span>
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What are dumb phones?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]A dumb phone, sometimes known as a \u201cfeature\u201d or \u201cbrick\u201d 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 <\/span>WhatsApp<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although dumb phones are reminiscent of pre-iPhone devices from the \u201890s 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 <\/span>Snake<\/span><\/i> game.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

People might choose a dumb phone over a powerful iPhone or Android for a variety of reasons – the main one being to <\/span>reduce screen time and digital distractions, so they can be more creative or present with loved ones<\/b>. 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!)<\/span><\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, older adults often gravitate toward these types of phones due to their simplicity – but they\u2019re not the only ones. Gen Z is also showing a <\/span>growing interest in dumb phones<\/span><\/a>, thanks to the increasing awareness of the negative effects of excessive screen time, and the generation\u2019s nostalgia for everything \u201890s and \u201800s.\u00a0<\/span>
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Why might a parent consider giving their child a dumb phone?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Despite Gen Z\u2019s 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\u2019s first phone for several reasons:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

1. To reduce screen time<\/b><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even Snake gets boring after a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. To keep them safe<\/b><\/p>\n

Without social media and gaming apps, your child will be less likely to be contacted by strangers and potentially become a victim of <\/span>cyberbullying<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>online predation<\/span><\/a>. 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. To save money<\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019ll also save on data plans and in-app purchases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. To teach them digital responsibility<\/b><\/p>\n

<\/b>In our 2024 report, <\/span>almost half of the parents<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

 
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The downsides of dumb phones<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]While giving your child a dumb phone can help them develop healthy digital habits, it has several big drawbacks you need to know about.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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