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 and text messaging; for instance AT&T's Smart Limits and T-Mobile's kidConnect. 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.

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.

Find the best deals online from any major US carrier:

For family plans, prepaid plans, or any other, shopping online often provides better pricing and higher customer satisfaction rates. We recommend:

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. RuleSpace is a company that is developing content filtering software for cell phones. The software can filter out websites deemed inappropriate. Such filtering software should be adopted by manufacturers/wireless providers by the end of 2008 or 2009.

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.

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

The Firefly is a cell phone designed for kids 5-8. It is available with any AT&T Plan. 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 free with a qualifying plan.

We recommended:



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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.