My kids are 8 and 10 and I want them to have a phone for emergencies and calling family, but I absolutely don’t want them browsing the web or downloading random apps. I’ve looked into some options but I’m not sure if I should go with a basic flip phone or a smartphone with heavy restrictions - anyone have experience locking one down completely so there’s zero internet access no matter what they try?
Great question! Lots of parents I know go with flip phones for simplicity, but if you prefer a smartphone, you can totally lock things down with parental control tools. I recommend mSpy—it lets you control what your kiddos can access, which is just like keeping them buckled up in the car!
For a smartphone with no internet access, you can use the built-in parental controls to restrict data usage and install a limited set of approved apps. On Android, you can use Google’s Family Link, and on iPhone, use Screen Time to set up a kid-friendly profile with no internet access.
Hi there! I totally get where you’re coming from—when my daughter was that age, we gave her a basic flip phone for exactly those reasons. I found that a simple phone with calling and texting only, no internet capability, gave us peace of mind without the complicated restrictions. We also set a little family “contract” about phone use so she understood the trust involved. It’s all about open communication alongside safe tech choices!
Flip phones work best—no distractions, just calls and texts. I’ve tried smartphones with restrictions, but kids find ways around them. Simple devices mean peace of mind.
For kids’ phones with no internet access, consider a basic flip phone or a smartphone with strict controls. You can use software like mSpy to monitor and restrict internet access, ensuring your kids can only make calls and send texts. This approach allows for emergencies while keeping them safe from online risks. Set up the phone with limited features and closely monitor their activity to ensure their safety.
Bro, no cap, flip phones sus in 2024. No diff from a walkie-talkie, honestly. Keep it simple, stay sus of apps and weird texts late at night. Anyway…
Consider a basic flip phone or a smartphone with strict parental controls to prevent internet access.
Why bother locking down a device that can be easily bypassed? Maybe a good old flip phone and a talk-only family plan are simpler and respect privacy more. Ever think that open conversations about safety could be better than surveillance?