Resources
Smartphone Alternatives
-
Gizmo Watch
The Gizmo Watch provides two-way voice calling and messaging with up to 10 trusted contacts of your choice. Parents can check the location of the Gizmo Watch from their own smartphone, set GPS boundaries, and receive automated alerts when a child exceeds the boundaries. Additionally, waterproof watch includes a fitness tracker and a to-do list to manage chores and homework. Prices vary. Check out Verizon Wireless and Best Buy to purchase.
-
TickTalk Watch
The TickTalk Watch features voice and video calling, text messaging, location traction, free streaming music, parental controls and a camera. With no internet, games, or social media, TickTalk 4 allows your family to stay connected without sacrificing peace of mind. The watch includes tools like an Activity Tracker, 3D Reminders, Do Not Disturb Class Mode & more. Use promo code waituntil8th for a $20 discount.
-
Gabb Watch
The Gabb Watch triples as a cell phone, GPS device, and interactive watch. It is a stand-alone device. It does not pair with the Gabb phone. Features include voice-messaging, pre-set texting, GPS and tracking functionality, custom contact list (10 parent approved and managed contacts) — no outside calls or texts, SOS/emergency contact, customize and receive notification when your child leaves and enters “Safe Zones”, void distraction during school hours with “Lock Mode”. Child and guardian can still contact each other in this mode. Watch is sweat and water resistant. Use promo code WU8 to get 10% off the Gabb watch.
Do You Think Your Child is Ready for a Smartphone?
Do you think your child needs a device beyond a basic phone? Before purchasing or giving an old smartphone to your child, be sure to check out this list of questions from Wait Until 8th to confirm that your child is ready for a smartphone.
**Remember to never give a child a fully loaded smartphone with all the bells and whistles to start. Go slowly!
Allow time for the child to demonstrate responsibility and maturity before you allow the internet browser, access to the App Store and social media. If your child is starting with an iPhone, check out this guide to remove the internet browser, disable the App Store, and establish time limits and a curfew.
Instead of purchasing an iPhone, consider one these smartphone options created for kids:
The Bark Phone is a Samsung phone with robust parental controls. Children can’t delete text messages without permission, download workaround VPNs, or change the parental controls set. Bark’s award-winning monitoring tool is built into the phone and scans your child’s texts, emails, social media, and apps for digital dangers and sends you alerts. For new smartphone users, parents can choose the starter plan for $29 per month where there is no internet browser or social media. As your child grows, you may update the plan without needing a new device to add additions such as the internet browser or social media.
With Troomi, your kids can graduate seamlessly from one level of responsibility to the next based on their needs and maturity. Start with a device that’s completely locked down with talk and texting only, then easily add device functionality from the Troomi Parent Portal—without having to replace hardware. Troomi has a basic parent portal with the ability to monitor and manage your child’s calls, texts, screen time and contacts. Troomi phones do not have social media platforms, games, or the app store. There is an option for a web browser on this phone.
