Kids alternatives to smartphones in the UK (2024)
Summary
A basic phone, without Wi-Fi or internet, will give your child independence and stay in-touch for safety. It will also be easier for your child to understand and use.
Make sure you get a call-and-text-only SIM; avoid SIM deals with a data plan.
Introduction
Smartphones are not designed for children. They come with Wi-Fi and mobile data as standard, the inappropriately named ‘Play Store’, Wallet and internet browser and without any requirement to set up parental controls. The first and only phone specifically designed for children was only just launched in the UK in September 2024. However, the range of options for keeping in touch with your child safely remain limited and unappealing to many. We attempt to set these out below.
For younger children, there are smart watches such as Xplora. However, the only safe phone alternatives are basic ‘brick’ phones. But watch-out! Many of these are in-fact internet enabled with Wi-Fi and, because they are so basic they are unable to run parental controls. Many parents fear their child would be teased or bullied if they owned a basic ‘brick’ phone. We believe this is a major contributor to smartphone ownership among children.
Parental controls
Google provides free parental controls through Google Family Link and Apple Phones have some build in controls. However, these both have limitations compared to other third-party parental control options. For example, they can’t completely block internet access or Wi-Fi connectivity. You cannot remove the Play Store, internet browser or email and your child can delete their browsing history. To use Family Link you need to create a Google account for your child with an email address, allowing Google to collect and use your child’s usage data. Your child can manage their own Google account and stop your supervision without your permission at age 13.
There are great third-party parental controls out there. However, glitches are common with operating system updates. There are well-known ways that children dodge third-party controls.
Managing parental controls such as web-filters and app restrictions is a full-time job. Children know what smartphones are capable of and they wil always campaign for more and more apps.
Networks and SIMs
Most cybercrime affects children using the internet at home over the Wi-Fi connection. So-called child-safe SIMs offer no protection here. And, even if you have good security on your home network your child could still access other Wi-Fi networks, for example at a friends house, or using a mobile hotspot.
Child-safe SIM cards allow you to prevent calls and texts to and from unknown numbers. You can switch off your child’s mobile data connection, or set a schedule with time limits. However, third-party parental control applications can offer the same functions. A child-safe SIM cannot prevent your child connecting to the internet on a Wi-Fi network. So, with these SIM cards you will still need to use a third party parental control application to control your child’s use of the internet.
Any smartphone, even with a child-safe SIM, allows your child to access the internet over Wi-Fi networks and personal hotspots, either at home or elsewhere, unless you use third-party parental controls to disable both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Xplora Watches
Xplora provides smartwatches designed for kids. These watches are a great alternative to a smartphone. Especially designed to allow children to have fun, playing and exploring the outside world while staying in-touch safely.
Check out Xplora watches here.
Basic Phones
Most basic phones have some internet capabilities and Wi-Fi. Below, we’ve listed a few that don’t. Be aware, if you put a calls-and-texts-only SIM in a basic phone that has Wi-Fi your child can still go online. These basic phones do not offer any parental controls.
Bottom line: Make sure it doesn’t have Wi-fi and use a calls-and-texts only SIM.
There are more upmarket minimalist phones that look like smartphones but have no dangerous apps. For example, the Wisephone II by Techless (see below).
Here we list a few examples of basic phones available in the UK to keep your child safe in 2024:
Barbie Phone
The Barbie Phone from HMD comes with Barbie covers, each with a different design. Switch them up as often as you like, then make them your own with the included stickers and crystals.
Nokia 105
The Nokia 105 is not discontinued and is available from stores such as Argos, Asda and Currys. This basic-looking phone has no camera and doesn’t look like a smartphone. It can only connect to the internet with a mobile data plan. No Wi-Fi capability, which is great. It has several fun basic retro games too. This is safe if you give your child with a calls-and-texts-only SIM.
Nokia 3310 (2017)
Although this phone is marketed as a remake of the legendary original 3310 from the days before smartphones this device does have internet capability. But only over mobile data - no Wi-Fi capability. So, with a calls-and-texts-only SIM no internet.
It comes with some apps such as Facebook and Twitter pre-installed. Unlike the original Nokia 3310 this phone has a camera (2MP) and a full colour screen (not a touch-screen). That said, its interface makes use of the internet less engaging and enjoyable than a quality touch screen.
Nokia 110
The Nokia 110 works over 4G networks so could potentially connect to the internet but again, only with a data-plan. No Wi-Fi connectivity so, with a calls-and-texts-only SIM this is an internet-free device. It comes with a few pre-loaded games like Snake. It has large buttons and only has the basics but with a great battery life.
Nokia 8210
This phone also offers no Wi-Fi connectivity so with a calls-and-texts only SIM your child will not be able to connect to the internet on this device. It has a good battery life and a large screen.
Oakcastle F100
Cheap and cheerful. One of the cheapest phones on the market so great if you don’t want to worry about your kid losing or damaging it! It doesn’t connect to the internet at all. No camera or games. Less durable than most. However, we have successfully road-tested one of these and, so far so good.
LightPhone
LightPhone is a sleek minimalist phone. Not designed specifically for kids but will keep them safe and not addictive. No social media. No distractions.
LoFone
LoFone is inder development and not yet available. We will keep you posted.
Wisephone II
Wisephone II is an American minimalist phone that can be obtained in the UK and can work on UK networks.
Doro 6820
Doro make phones for old people. This seniors flip-phone wont appeal to kids. It has a clam shell style case that protects the screen and buttons. It doesn’t have Wi-Fi or pre-loaded apps so is a good choice to keep your child safe from online dangers but make sure you choose a calls-and-texts-only SIM!
Doro 1370
Again, the Doro 1370 is designed for older people. Although technically this works on 2G networks it is not designed to connect to the internet. It has a camera but doesn’t come with any apps. You wont be able to install any parental controls on this phone. But you probably won’t need them. Only the very tech-savvy will be able to install any internet applications on this device.