Device Options
We are going to hit you with some tough love; your child under the age of 15 does NOT NEED A SMART PHONE. In our opinion not even until 18.
"But I need to get ahold of my child after school, sports." - That doesn't require a smart phone.
"But we co-parent and I need to be able to reach my children anytime." - That doesn't require a smart phone.
"But their friends all have iphones and they REALLY want one too." - I love you as a parent and a child of God, but you are just that, the parent. Wisdom from the 1980's for you; if your friends jumped off of a bridge would you jump too?
"I want them to fit in with their peers and have high self esteem." - I promise you, apps, social media, being asked to send nudes, or NOT asked to send nudes will by far hinder it more. Also, please continue to stress the importance of not relying on outward and worldy things to bring them self worth and acceptance.
"They use great apps for medicine reminders and more." - Reminders, to-do alerts and alarms exist on other devices.
Smart Phone Alternatives
If your carrier is Verizon, this is a GREAT option. It calls and messages (using it's own app). The child can have up to 10 contacts at a time. It has GPS tracking. You control which 10 contacts they have. You can see every phone call they make. $180 for the watch with a 2 year contract. Has a monthly fee.
This phone is not linked to any carrier, it provides it's own, so anyone can purchase it. You pay $100 for the phone, and $20 a month for unlimited calls and texts. No Internet. No Games. No Social Media. No App Store. No Picture Messages. No Group Text.
Device is $50, and $10 a month for service. LG 4TE service. Call with a touch of a button. GPS tracking. One button push to talk. View more about it on their Amazon Page.
This phone is designed for the older generation with large buttons, easy to read screens, louder speaker. However it does have a 2 megapixel camera. $75 for the device, $20 a month.
Flip phones still exist, HOLLA!
Remember how much you LOVED your Motorola Razr? Ah those were the days. I promise you, your kids will love their flip phones just as much, and maybe we can bring belt hip phone holders back. Actually. Don't. They never looked good.
You can even buy any phone and activate it on the carrier. So you could literally GET your old Motorola Razr.
