Best Phones For Under 9
When should my kid get their first phone?
Many kids begin to express interest in wanting a phone around the age of 9 to 11. This average can fluctuate based on where you live, and the individuals around your child – so don’t feel pressure if your kid needs a phone earlier than others. There are some great starter phones for kids that make perfect first phones.
If your family decides a phone is right for your kid, we strongly recommend a phone built specifically for kids. If you give your child an iPhone or Android phone that is not made for kids, we recommend adding a parental control app as an extra layer of security.
Best Phones For Kids Under 9 Years Old
Let’s take a look at some of the best phones for young kids.
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For more information on information on these phones great first phones for kids, please see below.
Phones for kids ages 2 to 5
It is not recommended that children under the age of 2 have any screen time. If your child is between the age of 2 to 5, it is suggested that they have no more than 1, or 2 hours per day on screens.
With this in mind, we suggest using alternative sources of communication & entertainment if your child is under the age of 5. More information on children and screen time can be found here.
Features For Parents
Kid’s phones today have features that allow parents to track their children with GPS, and approve any of the phone’s contacts, and some don’t even have internet as an option.
While kids under the age of 9 may not need a cell phone, sometimes the peace of mind it brings parents is enough reason.
Features For Kids
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Many mobile carriers and manufacturers offer kid’s smartwa
Alternatives to cell phones?
If you are against getting your child a phone, but would still love to be able to contact and text with your child, there are alternatives. Many mobile carriers and manufacturers offer kid’s smartwatches. For example, T-Mobile has the XXXXXX, and Gabb Wireless not only makes a kid’s phone, but they also have a watch option.
Do not use devices like Apple Airtag to track your child’s location.
| The Bark Phone is the best phone for kids under 9. Bark's powerful Operating System, flexibility, and monitoring AI make it a good, safe phone for young children and the first phone for your kid. The phone's flexibility makes it so that parents can limit the phone to talk & text only, or, only allow a few apps that you deem appropriate. |
| Gabb Wireless While not our favorite, they're still a good option for younger kids. The lack of internet access, internet browsers, and an app store make this good if you want a phone that only has the essentials - talk, text, GPS tracking, and a kid first approach to funcionality. |
| Troomi If you're wondering why Troomi is rated higher overall, but lower for young kids - it's because Troomi does a better job allowing flexibility to grow with your child in the long term, but Gabb's limitations are better for young children in the short term. |
| Pinwheel A good phone that allows some flexibility as your child grows. The lack of internet and a full app store is ideal for children under 9. |