Safe First Phone for Kids

This post is all about a safe first phone for kids who need to communicate with parents, but without all the time consuming extras of a typical smartphone.

Finding a safe first phone for your child can be super stressful. You want a way to communicate with your children when they are away from you, but you do not want to subject them to temptations of unhealthy habits. Technology is such a blessing and a curse, right?

When my daughter was 12, she was starting to spend more time in after school activities and needing to text or call us for information. After researching many many different options, we finally found a suitable solution that met our purposeful needs.

After reading this rundown, you will feel more empowered and confident with which direction to move towards for your child’s safe first phone.

Are They Ready for Their First Phone

We are in a new era as parents navigating when our child is ready for their first phone. Is anyone really ever ready? As an adult, and mom of 3 children, do I even have proper boundaries set for my phone usage? While we all are required by law to have driver’s education and training, there is not anything required prior to putting the entirety of the internet in a child’s hands.

One study showed that 69% of kids have a smartphone by the time they are 12 years old. Age isn’t the most important thing, but maturity is hard to measure. Our deciding factor was knowing that our daughter was having to ask her friends to text us bits of info while at afterschool activities. We started researching and praying for the right first phone.

Introducing Gabb Wireless

After looking into a variety of smartphone and watch options, we were led to Gabb Wireless, and were really drawn to their intentionality. Gabb Wireless offered the features we desired, and left out the features we did not. It felt like it was created by parents just like us!

Safe First Phone Features Included

There are quite a few special features of the Gabb Phone. Things like fingerprint scan for security, bluetooth connection for music, camera, and comes pre-activated. However, these are the features that stand out the most for us.

1. GPs

Having this location services activated is so helpful to make sure you know your child’s whereabouts. I have the Gabb app on my own phone, and can easily track their location remotely.

2. texting and making calls

Having the option to text my teen was the main feature I wanted, but because of all the additional features included (and not included), is what made this phone an easy decision. We text our teen reminders or she will text us information we need about what time practice will end. Quick calls using her phone has been very helpful as well to relay information.It has worked out great!

3. calendar

This is my teen’s favorite feature on the Gabb Phone. She loves to input her schedule into the calendar app. I appreciate that she can keep track of her responsibilities coming up and prepare what she needs to bring to an event. I think she has my love for planning and organizing. Thankful that the calendar app helps her build these good habits.

Safe First Phone Features Not Included

1. No Internet browsing

This was a big selling point for us. We did not want to put the whole world at her fingertips at this point. The ideas of no internet browsing removes a lot of our concern of spending unproductive hours on a phone. Also, it gives a layer of safety.

2. No Games

We are a game loving family, but isolating and addicting games on a phone were not of interest. So, this is another feature we really appreciated.

3. No social media

A big source of addictive digital content can be from social media apps. Many studies agree that issues like anxiety and depression are commonly associated with social media. We wanted to keep the focus on cultivating real life relationships.

4. no app downloads or app store

Another great feature is there is nothing to add on or purchase within the phone. No worries for spending money or finding ways to spend more time on your phone.

Safe First Phone: Peace of Mind

Part of handing our teen a phone was for our own peace of mind. Gabb Wireless gives us just that. We have a way to connect with each other, which is the ultimate purpose. However, it does not bring with it new issues in the meantime. Such a win-win for our family.

My code “JUICEBOX” always has some type of special discount attached to it. As I write this, it gives you 50% off ALL devices and select accessories, including the brand new Gabb Phone Plus. This is valid until 9/16/22, and after that there is still a discount, but it will be different deal.

This post was all about finding the right safe first phone for your child, without all the addictive and unnecessary stuff.

Other Posts You May Like:

Are They Ready for Their First Phone