Are cell phones good for kids?

Parents will need to weigh the risks/rewards of giving their child a cell phone to determine whether or not it is good for them specifically. Generally speaking, though, as long as a kid is using the phone appropriately, there are some great benefits. According to Dr. Egger, some of those benefits include having a way to contact someone in an emergency situation, connection to friends and others with similar interests and hobbies, entertainment, and easy access to research and data information on the web. However, parents should also keep some of the potential risks in mind, such as cell phone addiction, cyberbullying , and possible interference with interpersonal skill development.

What are signs that a child is ready for a cell phone?

According to Dr. Egger, caregivers should consider their child's actual age as well as their developmental age to determine whether or not they are ready for a cell phone. She explains that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not have a set age recommendation for cell phone use, so parents should use their best judgment. Dr. Egger tells Verywell Family, "Some children are very conscientious and responsible at a young age, [while] others take longer to mature." The most important thing a parent should consider is whether or not they think their child can safely use a cell phone (with capabilities beyond simply calling for emergencies). Your child should have a firm understanding of the weight of what they post online and how it can affect others. They should also be willing to follow family rules and give you passwords to access their social media accounts. It's unlikely your child will be able to regulate screen time usage on their own, so they need to be responsible enough to turn off the phone when they're told they've reached their limit for the day. Basically, look for behaviors that indicate that your child is mature enough to use the phone responsibly.

How much do phones cost for kids?

The price of cell phones for kids will vary greatly depending on the type of device and additional features, but in general, they can cost between $100 and $430. The bottom of the price range will get you simpler models, like the Lively Jitterbug Flip 2 , which lets you communicate with your child but doesn't have internet access, parental controls, or GPS features. A more expensive device will have all the bells and whistles, like the iPhone SE , which can run upwards of $400.

The 10 Best Cell Phones for Kids of 2023

For reasons of safety and convenience, a cell phone for your kids might be on your list of must-haves as they become more independent. When choosing the best cell for your kid, consider how and when your child might use a cell phone and how much digital control you prefer to have over what they use it for.

You’ll also want to take into account your child’s age and readiness, and look for a phone that’s durable and has plenty of security settings and long battery life. Additionally, consider whether you want their phone on the same plan as yours. Regardless of what phone you purchase for your child, be sure to teach them about technology and digital media responsibility, recommends Helen Egger, MD, a child psychiatrist.

To find the best options for children, we consulted with a child psychiatrist to learn more about what to look for in a kids’ cell phone, like parental controls, internet access, and more. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on cell phone readiness. Next, we asked 483 parents and caregivers when and why their children first started using a cell phone, what device they use, how often their kids use the phone, and how they handle device responsibility.

With this expert and parent guidance in mind, we studied the design and features of more than 30 cell phones for kids on the market. When reviewing products, we carefully considered age appropriateness, readiness, carriers, parental controls, durability, and value. Whether you’re an avid Apple user, an Android fan, or somewhere in between, our selection of cell phones for kids accommodates a range of budgets and carriers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Apple iPhone SE at Amazon

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Best for Big Kids:

Samsung Galaxy S8 at Amazon

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Best Beginner:

Gabb Gabb Phone Z2 at Gabbwireless.com

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Best Eco-Friendly:

Teracube Thrive at Amazon

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Best for Young Kids:

VTech KidiBuzz 3 at Amazon

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Best for Watch:

Gizmo Watch 2 at Verizon

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Best for Safety:

Pinwheel Smartphone at Pinwheel.com

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Best Durable:

Palm Phone at Amazon

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Best Flip Phone:

Lively Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone at Amazon

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Best Battery:

Motorola Moto G Power at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Apple View On Att.com

Pros

4.7-inch widescreen HD display
Water- and dust-resistant
Compatible with four phone providers/carriers

Cons

Older design
No night mode in camera

It was a close call between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 12 for our best overall spot; both models are ideal for kids ready to transition to a more mature cell phone, and they feature several similarities. However, one of the biggest differences between the two is cost. The iPhone SE is hundreds less than the iPhone 12, but both phones are popular choices among parents and caregivers.

The iPhone SE connects to 5G networks and is compatible with four cell phone providers: Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T, so you can add it to your family plan without any problems. We love the 4.7-inch widescreen display with a traditional home button capable of Touch ID with a fingerprint sensor (the iPhone 12 reaps a larger screen at 6.1 inches). We appreciate how the phone is splash-, water-, and dust-resistant, keeping it safe from accidents at school or home. It has a front and a rear camera, perfect for FaceTiming with friends, taking selfies, and capturing the world around them.

Don't worry about parental controls—Apple takes care of that for you. With the iPhone SE, parents and caregivers can reap the benefits of services like Screen Time parental controls, family sharing, and "Find My," which allows families to locate lost or stolen phones through location services.

In addition to the iPhone SE and iPhone 12, the parents and caregivers we surveyed also love the iPhone 13.

Price at time of publication: Starts at $429

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours | Storage: 64 GB to 256 GB | Parental Controls: Yes (through Apple services)}

Courtesy of Amazon.com

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Pros

5.8-inch display screen
Dustproof and water-resistant
Compatible with major carriers

Cons

Only 64 GB storage option
No built-in parental controls

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is the most popular Android phone parents and caregivers in our panel chose for their children when they were ready for a big-kid phone. It features a cool and durable end-to-end screen, meaning the phone’s 5.8-inch display spills over the device’s side for a smooth, continuous surface. There are two ways kids can capture memories of friends and events—a 12-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. We appreciate the facial recognition locking feature for extra security if a child forgets their phone at school or the park.

The phone is dustproof and water-resistant in up to nearly 5 feet of water and up to 30 minutes. It also features virtual assistant Bixby, which can remind kids of sports practice, to do their homework, and more. For memory, the Galaxy S8 stores up to 64 gigabytes of photos, apps, and more. Unfortunately, this is the lowest storage option available, so your kiddo may run out of space quickly if they love to take photos or download gaming or other apps.

While the S8 doesn’t have built-in parental controls, grown-ups can monitor their child’s device usage through the phone’s “Digital Wellbeing” selection under Settings. For further parental controls, parents can restrict their child’s app usage by downloading other security apps, like Google’s Family Link or Life 360. This cell phone is compatible with most major carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Other top contenders our parents and caregivers love in the Samsung line include the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20.

Price at time of publication: $320

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 30 hours | Storage: 64GB | Parental Controls: No}

4.8

Gabb

View On Gabbwireless.com

Pros

14 kid-safe apps
GPS tracking
No internet/social media

Cons

No games

The Gabb Phone Z2 doesn't have internet, social media, or games, but it does include 14 pre-installed, kid-safe apps, allowing them to call, send messages, take photos, play music, and more. When used minimally, the phone's battery life lasts up to a few days without needing a recharge. We love the GPS feature on the phone that gives parents and caregivers peace of mind if their kiddo misplaces the device or if they need to know their child’s whereabouts.

Kids will love the cell phone's fingerprint sensor for added security and two cameras for selfies or taking pictures with friends. The phone also comes equipped with Bluetooth capabilities, so kids can jam to their favorite music on headphones or a speaker. Plus, Gabb Wireless offers families three options for cellular plans: no contract ($24.99/month), one-year contract ($19.99/month), or two-year contract ($17.99/month).

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Few days if used minimally | Storage: 32 GB (ROM), up to 128 GB with microSD card (sold separately) | Parental Controls: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Made with recycled material/biodegradable case
Built-in parental monitoring
Parent-approved apps

Cons

Only works with all T-Mobile-based carriers

The Teracube Thrive is changing the cell phone game with its recycled material design and fully biodegradable case (also available in two color options). This Android cell phone for kids comes with a built-in monitoring system for parents, allowing adults to limit screen time, web browsing, and social media, manage phone calls and text messages, and much more. Kids still get to reap the excitement of having a cell phone, with parent-approved apps like Spotify to listen to their favorite music or play the game Angry Birds. Plus, the Teracube Thrive connects to a parent or caregiver's phone via an iOS- and Android-compatible app, so you can monitor remotely.

Front and rear cameras allow kids, tweens, and teens to take selfies with friends and family. In addition, the Thrive includes PIN, pattern, fingerprint, and facial recognition capabilities for extra security. While the Teracube Thrive is only supported by T-Mobile-based carriers, such as T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and Mint Mobile, this cell phone includes a warranty that covers accidental repairs for a low fee of $49.

Price at time of publication: $149 or $199 (depending on network selected)

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 7 hours of regular use | Storage: 64 GB | Parental Controls: Yes}

Amazon

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Pros

Parental controls
Comes with games and more

Cons

Messaging only works with Wi-Fi
Camera quality could use improvement

The VTech KidiBuzz 3 is our top pick for young kids because it's the perfect balance between tech toy and time spent away from a screen. This smart device is packed with 40+ educational games, music, photography, and messaging. The messaging only works when connected to Wi-Fi; however, the camera, music player, and games will work offline.

We love the phone's parental controls, which allow you to set time limits as well as permission to access-approved websites, so you can ensure your child is safe online. You can also download the KidiCom Chat app and securely control the contact list, texts, voice messages, and images.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Rechargeable (life amount not listed) | Storage: Up to 32 GB with microSD card (sold separately) | Parental Controls: Yes}

4.9

Verizon

View On Verizon

Pros

Water-resistant
GPS locator

Cons

Not a traditional phone

The GizmoWatch 2 is a smartwatch that helps foster independence while giving parents peace of mind and is a great option if you are not ready to jump into a smartphone just yet. The watch programs up to 10 trusted contacts that kids can send voice notes to, call, or text.

The screen is colorful and bright with easy-to-use buttons, and we love that it's water-resistant and wearable, meaning it's less likely to be lost or damaged. It’s also very easy to set up by downloading the GizmoHub on the parent's phone, where every facet of the watch is controlled.

The GPS locator is our favorite safety feature, but the watch also has some added benefits, like a step tracker to encourage being active and the option to set it to quiet mode. With the well-thought-out safety features and cost of around $5 a month through Verizon, the GizmoWatch 2 is quite affordable.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Up to 4 days with usage | Storage: 4 GB | Parental Controls: Yes}

Pinwheel

View On Pinwheel.com

Pros

Approved contacts only
View texts/calls from adult's phone
GPS location

Cons

No coverage directly from Pinwheel

Pinwheel focuses on what most parents and caregivers want in a cell phone for kids: safety. The company's three service options have been customized just for kids. The Pinwheel Plus 2 is actually a Samsung Galaxy A13, but it comes with a lot more parental control than that phone would otherwise. There’s no internet browser or app store, and the cell phone contains apps pre-screened by therapists that adults can select from for approval, such as Yousician or Khan Academy. You can even disable certain apps before your child takes their phone to school.

Adults can view text messages and calls from their own phones, with the option of blocking incoming pictures. GPS location allows you to know where your kiddo is at any time, showing their location on a map. Plus, you can add tasks from your phone to theirs, such as a reminder to finish homework.

Price at time of publication: From $199

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Up to 2 days | Storage: 64 GB | Parental Controls: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Palm.com

Pros

Long battery life
Location tracking

Cons

Small size
May not be ideal for younger kids

Let's face it: Kids are constantly on the move, so finding a cell phone that's durable is a must. The Palm Phone, which is about the size of a credit card, is dust- and water-resistant, perfect for any accidents that may happen.

Parents and caregivers can monitor their child's location and activity via parental controls while children can enjoy the 13-hour battery life. It has an Android interface, so kids can browse through Google Play or stream music, too.

Price at time of publication: $199

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (screen time), full day on "Life Mode" | Storage: 32 GB | Parental Controls: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Emergency button
No internet/social media
Large buttons and screen

Cons

Not compatible with major wireless carriers (only Lively)

Although this cell phone was originally designed for older adults, it doubles as a great emergency phone for kids with its urgent response button and easy-to-use features. The Jitterbug Flip 2 is an Android cell phone that features both a large screen and buttons to help kiddos navigate the device with ease. A powerful speaker allows children to hear you with no problem when you call, and the phone even includes Amazon Alexa should you (or your child) need assistance.

While this cell phone doesn't have parental controls or a GPS feature, you can feel at ease knowing it doesn’t have internet, social media, or other apps. There's also an emergency response button that connects to immediate help from nurses and doctors 24/7. Once you receive the phone, you'll have to select a plan with Lively.com to activate it, as it does not work with any other carriers.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Not listed | Storage: 16 GB | Parental Controls: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Three-day battery life
Parental controls
Up to 128 GB storage

Cons

Bigger than previous models

For a cell phone with a long battery life, the 2022 Moto G Power is the best choice. Kids can rely on its three-day battery life without having to stop and recharge throughout the day. The Android cell phone features 128 GB of storage to hold hundreds of apps and precious files, like photos of friends taken on the phone's triple camera system.

A water-repellent design keeps the cell phone safe from spills and splashes, while fingerprint recognition provides additional security. The Moto G Power is compatible with most major carriers, such as AT&T and Verizon, so you can add it to your current family plan. Parental controls allow you to access your child's apps, daily usage limits, and more.

Price at time of publication: $250

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Up to 3 days (depending on usage) | Storage: 128 GB | Parental Controls: Yes}

How We Selected and Tested the Best Cell Phones for Kids

To select the best cell phones for kids, we spoke with child psychiatrist Helen Egger, MD, to find out what to look for in kids’ phones and how to allow screen time in a healthy way. We also reviewed guidance from the AAP on cell phone readiness and what to consider when buying your child’s first cell phone. Moreover, we asked 483 parents and caregivers about their kids’ cell phone usage. We wanted to know at what age their child first started using a cell phone and why, how often kids use their device, and how they manage and monitor their child’s phone usage. We learned that most families use an Apple or Samsung phone for their child, beginning at an average age of 13.5 years old. The most common reason parents and caregivers buy a phone for their children is to communicate with them when apart. Parents and caregivers say they looked for cell phones compatible with their carrier’s plan and included GPS tracking and other parental controls. They also considered the cost, durability, features, and design of the device.

After reviewing guidance and insights from our experts, the AAP, and parents, we studied the design and features of more than 30 cell phones for kids on the market. In addition, we also researched reviews from customers and competitors while monitoring shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on kids’ cell phones.

When selecting products, we considered ease of use, phone plans, battery life, storage, additional features, design, parental controls, and value when reviewing products. We chose cell phones that are easy to use for the recommended age groups, giving parents and caregivers peace of mind and allowing kids a little bit of safe (and fun) digital freedom.

What to Look for in a Cell Phone for Your Child

Age-Appropriate Features and Access

Just like adults, every kid has their own unique needs when it comes to a cell phone, and a lot of it has to do with their age. For instance, if you're purchasing your child's first mobile phone to use in emergencies, then it doesn't need to have any over-complicated features that they're not able to utilize yet. "A child does not need to have an internet-enabled cell phone to be able to call you," Dr. Egger tells Verywell Family. "They can use a flip phone or other similar devices."

Keep your child's age in mind when shopping for their phone. Consider things like storage space, capabilities, accessibility, and parental controls, as well as how easy it will be for your child to use on their own. If you're purchasing the phone for an older child or teenager, they may need a device with more features, memory, and an up-to-date operating system, such as the Apple iPhone SE, so that there are no issues with installing and running apps for school.

Parental Control Options

Take a look at what kind of parental control options are available, and consider whether or not they are appropriate for your child (do you need a ton or just a few?). Some phones allow parents to track their kids' calls and texts, others offer GPS tracking, and most are configured to gather usage data without any special app installation. "You can monitor your child's time on the phone in the phone settings [for most devices]," says Dr. Egger. This is especially important for parents who not only want to monitor what their child is doing on the phone but also how much screen time they're getting on a daily basis.

You may also want to consider whether or not the phone is compatible with the technology you use at home. For example, if you both have an Android phone, then you may be able to access controls and features in their phone remotely through your own cell phone. You can usually sync up calendars, share accounts, and pair your devices in other ways that can be more difficult if you're using different platforms.

Durability

No matter their age, kids aren't exactly known for taking extra care of their devices, so don't get them a phone that's fragile. You'll likely get a protective case for the phone, but it still needs to be durable enough to survive being dropped, sat on, or stored under heavy textbooks. If the phone has buttons, look at how they're designed and consider whether or not they will still work if lint and food crumbs get on them from being carried in pockets and backpacks.

Dr. Egger encourages caregivers to hold their children partly responsible for taking care of the phone. "Before you buy a phone for your child, talk about the ground rules," she says. "Talk about the cost of the phone … What happens if the phone is lost or broken? Will it be replaced? Who will pay for it?"

Compatibility

One of the downsides to some kids' cell phones is that they aren't compatible with your current phone provider. For example, if you purchase the Gabb Phone Z2, you’ll also have to purchase one of the company’s three phone plans. However, the company offers a no-contract cell phone plan, so you can cancel at any time.

Some cell phones, like the Moto G Power 2022, can be added to your current family plan. Whether your cell phone provider is Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, or T-Mobile, if you get a phone that's compatible with it, you'll only have to worry about one bill each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cell phones good for kids?

Parents will need to weigh the risks/rewards of giving their child a cell phone to determine whether or not it is good for them specifically. Generally speaking, though, as long as a kid is using the phone appropriately, there are some great benefits. According to Dr. Egger, some of those benefits include having a way to contact someone in an emergency situation, connection to friends and others with similar interests and hobbies, entertainment, and easy access to research and data information on the web.
However, parents should also keep some of the potential risks in mind, such as cell phone addiction, cyberbullying, and possible interference with interpersonal skill development.
What are signs that a child is ready for a cell phone?

According to Dr. Egger, caregivers should consider their child's actual age as well as their developmental age to determine whether or not they are ready for a cell phone. She explains that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not have a set age recommendation for cell phone use, so parents should use their best judgment. Dr. Egger tells Verywell Family, "Some children are very conscientious and responsible at a young age, [while] others take longer to mature."
The most important thing a parent should consider is whether or not they think their child can safely use a cell phone (with capabilities beyond simply calling for emergencies). Your child should have a firm understanding of the weight of what they post online and how it can affect others. They should also be willing to follow family rules and give you passwords to access their social media accounts.
It's unlikely your child will be able to regulate screen time usage on their own, so they need to be responsible enough to turn off the phone when they're told they've reached their limit for the day. Basically, look for behaviors that indicate that your child is mature enough to use the phone responsibly.
How much do phones cost for kids?

The price of cell phones for kids will vary greatly depending on the type of device and additional features, but in general, they can cost between $100 and $430. The bottom of the price range will get you simpler models, like the Lively Jitterbug Flip 2, which lets you communicate with your child but doesn't have internet access, parental controls, or GPS features. A more expensive device will have all the bells and whistles, like the iPhone SE, which can run upwards of $400.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. While Katrina's preschooler has several more years before he uses a cell phone, she has been through many devices herself (from forgetting a phone on the top of her car to accidentally dropping them on the floor). Katrina finds an Android operating system easier to use but loves the tech-savviness of Apple products (especially her MacBook Pro). Regardless of type, she recommends parents and caregivers opt for a kids' cell phone with parental controls, a long battery life, and a durable design.

Additional reporting to this story by Ashley Ziegler and Deanna McCormack.

Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer who focuses on family, lifestyle, and commerce. She regularly tests and researches products for young children and parenthood and stays up to date with the latest technology for the home.

Ashley Ziegler is a freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a wife to a public school administrator and mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best products for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.