Best Cell Phones for Kids

The right cell phone and the right cell phone plan does offer additional security for your child.

Here are a few examples:

Cell phones provide easy 911 access.

Cell phones can provide quick communication between parents and their children.

Some kids cell phones and plans provide a GPS locator function to help parents keep track of their children.

Many kids just really, really want one and at some point you may decide to give in.

There are a number of concerns parents may have about giving a cell phone to kids.

Kids aren't likely to track their talk time. Thus, exceeding the plan limits and ending up with an exorbitant bill isn't uncommon. Exceeding texting limits is particularly problematic with older kids.

Providing a child with a cell phone that has video/photo capabilities and web access can expose them to content that parents might otherwise restrict.

Spyware, predators, bullies, and spammers. Younger children, and less savvy kids may not be aware of such dangers. Kids need to be taught about communicating/interacting appropriately online and on their cell phone. "Don't talk to strangers" is still a valid rule.

First, before you panic, realize:

Cell phones designed for the youngest children often accept calls only from a list programmed in by the parents and restrict who a child may call. This is the best defense against predators, spam, and bullies.

Cell phones designed for the youngest kids generally are not video capable or web enabled eliminating the risk of exposure to inappropriate content.

Some kids cell phone plans allow parents to place limits on talk time, downloads, and text messaging; for instance AT&T's Smart Limits and T-Mobile's Family Allowances. Many providers also assist in blocking messages, e-mails and so forth. You can see an example of this with T-Mobile or even Verizon. Kajeet offers plans that allow time restrictions to be set up; when the phone can and can't be used for calling and texting, as well as restrictions as to who can and can't call or text the phone. The Kajeet phones offer kids the games, ringtones, and other features they want but require no long term contract.

The various cellular providers offer prepaid cell plans which allow parents to put a limit on talk/texting time. In addition, there are prepaid providers such as TracFone, Net10, MetroPCS, and Cricket Communications which help control spending and offer basic/affordable phones.

Increasingly there is software available that can help parents monitor cell phone activity if necessary.

Parents need to:

Learn about the risks; there are links provided below to assist.

Provide young children with an appropriate kids cell phone to minimize exposure to any threats. You can see our suggestions on this page.

Consider the parental controls available with any cell phone plan/service that is selected. See AT&T Smart Limits, Alltel Axcess Web Parental Controls, Axcess Family Finder, Sprint Family Locator and Sprint Parental Control services as examples.

Consider purchasing additional software as needed for added security.

RADAR, is one example. It is a product made available by mymobilewatchdog.com. This software allows parents to develop an approved contact list, monitor calls, emails, text and instant messages, and even alerts parents to suspicious activity. As an example, RADAR can alert adults to spyware that might be tracking an unsuspecting user.

"Mobile Guardian" offered by Boston Communications Group (bcgi.net) is another option. It provides parents with the ability to restrict when and who kids can call, times they can call, and the amount of time they can talk. It is also possible for parents to block certain numbers and view a history of calls.

TextGuard recently announced their downloadable program to allow parents to monitor and block messages. It offers a free 60 day trial for Windows Mobile and Blackberry phones.

In some instances it can be wise to implement some of the same safeguards used on the home PC or laptop of tweens and teens on their cell phone. Content filtering software can also be found online. NetNanny is one example.

Concerns about teens who tend to text or call from their cell phone while driving are common. There are products which are coming to the market which may put parents minds at ease. One such product is Keys2SafeDriving which is a Bluetooth device that prevents teens from texting or calling while driving. Passengers in the vehicle can still use a phone and 911 and other designated numbers can still be accessed. Learn more about it on this page.

Taser, the maker of the stun gun type devices, is also coming out with a product called Mobile Protector which gives parents more control over their kids cell phone if desired. They can screen incoming and outgoing calls and messages, block specific numbers, listen in on conversations if they wish (they're kids would be aware of this), and/or receive an alert when an unknown number tries to contact their child. Parents would also have the ability to disable the phone for a period of time, locate them via GPS, or do a records release to give pertinent data to local authorities in an emergency. Clearly, these types of products make cell phones for kids much safer.

You can see about more cell phone parental control options here.

With all of this in mind, now comes the time to choose the phone you want. The right phone is the one that offers the features you feel are important and yet provides the limits that you as a responsible adult want for safety and budget reasons. As a parent you know your kid the best, and have to choose based on their level of maturity. Consider some of what has been discussed above, here are a few reminders:

Phones without web access, cameras, and so forth are often top choice for the youngest kids. Some may offer games, many offer GPS, and some allow calling only to select individuals. Firefly and Kajeet phones are two examples.

When parents want to allow their kids access to the internet, more calling or messaging options, or entertainment features like MP3 players, cameras, and so forth, they can find some models available that still allow them to cap spending. Certainly, prepaid options are one choice that works well for many families with teenagers, but most carriers do offer some features along these lines. Prepaid phones from Tracfone, Net10 and others range from basic phones to mid-range smartphones and may meet the need.

Choosing the right plan is as critical as choosing the right phone. The right plan can provide spending caps and the right service can provide parental controls as needed. If more controls are needed, there may be software available to provide either the monitoring or restrictions you want.

The Firefly GloPhone is a cell phone designed for kids 5-8. It's small to fit into your child's hand, has flashing lights and 12 pre-loaded ringtones and is so easy to use. Parents can pre-program fast dial keys, plus configure up to 20 numbers, and set incoming call screening - all using PIN control for piece of mind. It's a discontinued phone but is available online. AT&T can unlock it and put in a new SIM card for it to be used. You can find it here.

The Firefly Flyphone is the newer version and is can be appropriate for kids as old as 12 or 13. It offers built-in games, an embedded camera, and a multicolor screen. It also provides plenty of parental controls. You can find it here.

Photo Credits
Introduction: joshua.
Why Consider Cell Phones for Children: Milica Sekulic.
What are the Disadvantages and Dangers of Cell Phones for Kids: pictureperfectpose.
Finding the Best Cell Phone for Kids: Jeff Belmonte.
What Software Can Help Parents Protect Kids with Cell Phones: Miala.