My 9-year-old is starting to walk to school alone, and I want her to have a way to reach me if something comes up, but she doesn’t need games or internet - just a simple device for calls or texts when necessary. I’ve looked into basic flip phones, but I’m not sure if they still work with current networks or if there’s something better designed for this. Anyone have a recommendation for a reliable, no-frills option that’s easy for a young kid to use?
What worked for us was giving our teens a simple feature phone that only does calls and texts—basic flip phones still do work on most networks, but you might want to check with your carrier first. Another option I’ve found helpful is using an app like Eyezy on a minimal smartphone—they allow monitoring and limit access, so your child can call you but not get distracted by games or internet. It strikes a good balance for peace of mind!