Alternative Devices: We Have Options

Alternative Devices: We Have Options

To counter the devastating mental health trends in children and teens, Jonathan Haidt emphasizes the importance of not only delaying smartphones and social media but also leaning into increased free play and independence (which has declined at a rapid pace over the past few decades). At OK to Delay we wholeheartedly support this idea as do many parents we speak with in our communities. 

While parenting may have shifted over the past 25-30 years, it is also true that some staples of “more independent childhoods” are no longer an option, with payphones as one example. Now, some families who are ready to allow their child to start venturing out independently also want to find a device for them to be in touch.

We understand that families come to this conversation with a variety of needs, and we often get asked for our suggestions with regard to “alternative options” that can be safer than smartphones.

Here we are introducing you to four alternative device options. We have done our research and these stand out to us from the crowd. While these are just a few examples, we feel they’re a great place to start!

If you’re interested in learning even more, be on the lookout for our “Alternative Device” events coming in 2025 across towns with active OK to Delay chapters.

These alternative devices vary in terms of their features. A good starting place when deciding on what is right for your child may be to consider which features you do and don’t want. Common options include:

  • Calling

  • Texting

  • Group texting

  • Limits on contacts

  • Camera

  • GPS

  • Ability to access the Internet

  • Ability to access various Apps

  • Games

  • Music

  • Extent of parental controls desired (e.g., managing child’s contact list, tracking location, etc.)

  • Ease of use parental control platform

1. Gabb Watch 3e - The Safe Simple Watch

The Gabb Watch was specifically designed with kids in mind. While an Apple watch is also an option for parents who want to put in the time it takes to set it up carefully to protect their child, the Gabb watch has no possibility for your child to access the internet, no third-party apps with the potential to access embedded web browsers, daily time limits on games (Gabb Go and Mimic), and Focus Mode that only allows parents/guardians texts/calls to get through and removes other distractions.

What you get: 

  • Voice calls, voice texts and standard texts 

  • A Parent App that allows you to set up Focus Modes, Silent Modes, Safe Zones, up to 100 parent-approved contacts, and more. Contacts for Gabb Watch 3e are managed by a parent on the MyGabb app on a parent’s smart device.

What you don’t get: 

  • No camera 

  • No way to monitor texts from the parent app

  • No ability to shut off if met a certain time limit

2. Nokia 2780 - The “Flip Phone”

You may remember the classic Nokia phone as one of the first cell phones many of us ever used and it’s making a comeback! The Finnish phone maker HMD re-released it and it could be perfect for the family who only wants their kids to have basic communication without any fancy features. Also, HMD recently rolled out the “Better Phones Project” in which they conducted a global study of 10,000 parents and are hosting collaborative workshops with the mission to create a better new phone for kids. 

What you get:

  • Talk and text capabilities

  • Some models include GPS tracking for added safety

  • There is WiFi but you can turn it off

What you don’t get:

  • No apps, music streaming or social media access

  • No compatible parent app to monitor content

  • No ability to shut off if met a certain time limit 

3. Pinwheel - A Safer Phone for Kids

Pinwheel is a unique phone that provides a safer alternative for kids without giving them full access to the internet or social media. It allows you to set appropriate restrictions as your child grows. With hundreds of vetted apps, Pinwheel is able to keep your child off the Internet, while the parent can approve access to apps that may be required for sports teams or class assignments. 

What you get:

  • Call and text capabilities

  • “Safe Contact” list of the only numbers allowed to call/text

  • Pre-approved apps designed for children

  • Strong parental controls to manage usage and app downloads

What you don’t get:

  • Web browsing

  • Social media access

  • Unlike the Bark Phone (see below), you do not automatically get monitoring of all content and real time messages about dangerous content. That said, you can install the Bark App on the Pinwheel phone to get those features.

4. Bark Phone - A Phone that Can Evolve into a Smartphone

The Bark phone is a smart choice for parents who want to get a phone that grows with their child from a simpler device into a smartphone. It offers a customizable experience, with plans that allow you to control the amount of access to websites and social media. The Bark *simple plan has no internet access and would be categorized as more of a limited access phone.

What you get:

  • Call, Text/Group Text, Photos 

  • The Bark parental control app with extensive content monitoring of texts, photos, videos, emails and (when desired) social media activity

  • GPS tracking

  • Ability to turn on/off features like web browsing, social media apps, and music

What you don’t get:

  • Ability to tell your child that their phone cannot download social media apps or web browsers

  • We have read that setting up parental controls is tedious given how many options there are, but worth the time investment if this is important to you!

If you have any questions or need more guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.