Gear

The Best Cell Phones for Kids to Stay Connected and Safe at Every Age

by Bethany Braun-Silva


The Best Cell Phones for Kids to Stay Connected and Safe at Every Age
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The best cell phones for kids, tweens, and teens!

 

If you’re debating whether to get your kid a cell phone, there are a few things to consider. The first is, do they really need one? If your teen or tween is going places by themselves and you’re worried about keeping track and being able to contact them, then yes, a cell phone can help alleviate some of that worry. Maybe you’d feel safest with a really basic phone for young kids in case of emergencies only. If you’re simply looking for a phone for your kid to play games and watch videos on, you’re probably better off with a tablet.

 

With that said, there are plenty of kid-friendly cell phones that are great for texting, calling, and staying connected that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a cell phone for your kid, we found plenty of options that they (and you) will love. 

 

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Chances are your kid has already asked you for a cell phone; they may have even picked out their favorite. In fact, Common Sense Media reports that 53 percent of kids own a smartphone by the time they are 11. We are a plugged-in, connected society, so it only makes sense that our kids want to be part of that, too.

 

But parents are rightfully wary. The cyber world is a big place and the thought of kids having unlimited access to the web and social media can be scary. That’s why we found the best phones not only to keep kids safe and protected but also that have plenty of parental control options.

 

1 of 7 Image Credits: Verizon

Verizon Gizmo Watch

Price:$100.00

The Gizmo watch provides parents with real-time tracking and auto-answer capabilities for your chosen contacts. There’s also an emergency button, reminder alerts, and step tracking.

2 of 7 Image Credits: Amazon

KidsConnect KC2 4G Kids GPS Tracker Kids Cell Phone

Price:$85.95

This basic cell phone allows kids to make calls and texts and provides parents with their location via GPS tracking. Without access to the internet or apps, kids are safe from online browsing.

3 of 7 Image Credits: Tracfone

Samsung Galaxy A01

Price:$80.00

This phone is perfect for tweens who want a camera for selfies and long-lasting battery life.

4 of 7 Image Credits: Amazon

VTech KidiBuzz G2 Kids’ Electronics Smart Device with KidiConnect

Price:$99.99

Parents can set up a list of approved contacts for kids to call, text, and send voice messages to. There are also dozens of educational apps already downloaded and a shatter-safe screen.

5 of 7 Image Credits: Verizon

Palm Compact Phone

Price:$350.00

This small phone is easy for kids to carry discretely and has maximum protection against water and dust. Kids can download all their favorite Android apps and have fun with the rear- and forward-facing cameras.

6 of 7 Image Credits: Net10 Wireless

iPhone 7 Net 10 Wireless

Price:$200.00

Your kid is probably well-versed in all things Apple. If you’re hesitant to splurge on the latest model, you can get the iPhone 7 through Net 10 for a reasonable price and pair it with a pay-as-you-go plan.

7 of 7 Image Credits: Amazon

Unihertz Jelly Pro

Price:$115.00

This tiny cell phone can fit into your kid’s pocket and works with AT&T and T-Mobile. It also has a camera and a built-in music player.