Kids phone guide
5 phone options for kids, ranked for busy parents
Pick a first phone that keeps your child reachable, so you can say yes without handing over the whole internet.
Written by the SavvyNest research team
Your child wants a phone. Their friends have one. But a regular smartphone comes with group chats, strangers, and apps that are built to keep kids scrolling.
You do not have to choose between no phone and every app. Here are five options, from the most parent control to the simplest setup.
1. Bark Phone (our pick for most families)
Best for parents who want monitoring and controls that grow with their kid.
Bark alerts you to risky texts and apps, so you do not have to read every message. You can set screen time limits and shut off internet access from your own phone.
Plans start at $39/mo on Starter, and Bark offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with less risk. Start with talk and text, then move to Advanced as your child earns more freedom.
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2. Gabb Phone
Best for younger kids when you want no internet at all.
Gabb phones have no web browser and no open app store. That keeps the setup simple.
The tradeoff: parent-set screen time limits are not available yet, and contacts are child-managed unless you turn on parent-managed contacts.
3. A regular smartphone with built-in controls
Best for older kids who already show good phone habits.
iPhones include Screen Time, and Android phones work with Google Family Link. Both let you set limits and approve apps.
The tradeoff: these tools manage time and downloads, but they do not alert you to risky messages. Setup takes more of your time.
4. A basic flip phone
Best for calls and texts only, at a low cost.
A simple flip phone handles calls and texts with little else to manage.
The tradeoff: few parent controls, and most models have no location sharing built for families.
5. A kids smartwatch
Best for young kids who need to reach you, not a full phone.
Many kids smartwatches offer calling to approved contacts and location sharing.
The tradeoff: small screens and limited texting. Most kids outgrow them as school and activities get busier.
The bottom line
If you want one phone that can grow with your child, with alerts and controls you manage from your own phone, start with Bark.
See the full Bark vs Gabb comparison
Prices and features are from each company's website as of October 2026. Check current terms before buying.
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