Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Cell Phone Recommendations for Kids

First - this isn't a debate or argument about kids having phones and I'd like to keep it that way.

I've always said my kids would never have a phone until I needed them to have one....well, that time's come with GomerJr due football this summer and generally getting a little more freedom to go to friends' houses around the 'hood. I'd considered just giving him one of our old phones with all the unnecessary apps deleted but even with parental controls and whatnot, seems there's just too much they can get into with them and the idea just gives me an uneasy feeling. So, I'm looking for something like a "dumb" phone. Needs to be able to call and text and not much else. No internet access, no social media or other unnecessary apps.

Right now it looks like the Gabb phones are the leaders in the clubhouse....anyone else use something similar that you like?

We had to give my oldest son a phone way earlier than I wanted do to situation out of our control.

We just gave him an old iPhone with only the apps he needed. The iTunes account that went with it we had total control over and he was not allowed the password so any apps he wanted had to be approved and downloaded by us.

If you are worried about managing the content he sees online I suggest looking at the Bark app. For $15 a month It does a good job of monitoring what he can see and access online and can help manage screen time, and lets you see where he is at. The cool think about it is in the background it monitors all text and social media and alerts you if they are getting inappropriate messages or if alcohol, drugs, cyberbullying, suicide, etc are being discussed or pushed to them.

Once you head down this road make sure you lock down your home WIFI also. My IT guy suggested the EERO extender for about $200 on amazon and for $20 a year I can keep all that crap off the home devices as well.

Depending on age, I 'm guessing they don't need a smart phone. Just get a basic slide phone if they simply need to check in with you.

That app on a locked down iPhone may be what we have to do. After talking to MrsGomer, there is one app in particular he would need for football (practice updates, communicating w/ coaches, etc)

My son has had an iPhone for years. Under the family profile I control everything he does, even screen time

I’d look into an old tech flip phone. If you decide to go with a smart phone look into qustodio.com so you can control content.

Haven’t ventured into the smartphone world but control my kids iPad with a MDM named OurPact.

It’s done well so far

Gabb is what mine have

Razor hands down, if you can find one…