Why 'Dumb Phones' For Kids Might Be A Smart Move

"Nanay, may I borrow your phone to play games?"

That's the line my five-year-old daughter says when she feels she used up all her time drawing, reading, or playing with her toys. It's the last resort—I hope I don't hear in a day. At five, I admit she already knows how to download games, exit sneaky ads, and even place a GrabFood order. I can only imagine what she'll be able to do with a smartphone when she's ten.

My husband and I agreed to delay giving her a smartphone, and I'm happy that many parents are making the same choice. An alternative they've found is giving their children a "dumb phone" first. Dumb phones are essentially non-smartphones and with only basic features like calls and texts. These are also called feature phones or brickphones that don't have internet connectivity.

Why giving 'dumb phones' for kids might be a smart move

Here’s why some parents opt for dumb phones instead of smartphones as their child’s first device.

Dumb phones are the healthier option for kids.

In a Facebook post, Joy Mendoza, an author and mom of six, shared that she and her husband successfully replaced their kids' smartphones with dumb phones this year. She noted that despite still having access to a tablet, not having smartphones significantly reduced their online usage.

"It was hard at the beginning, but they realized they could be happy and still communicate with friends even without smartphones. They have been much healthier, emotionally and spiritually," she shared.

Joy explained that her kids had earned the money to buy their second-hand smartphones. It was a challenge set by her husband, Edric Mendoza, to teach them the value of hard work. However, one of their children developed insecurities related to social media use and even addiction to scrolling.

"I would say they are thriving. They are busy with sports, hobbies, learning new skills, studies, hang-outs with friends and cousins, and they are growing in character." —Joy Mendoza on her kids using dumb phones

That's why when their daughter's phone broke down, coupled with the realization of the dangers of smartphones and social media, they agreed to switch to dumb phones. Two of their children now use Nokia phones.

"I would say they are thriving. They are busy with sports, hobbies, learning new skills, studies, hang-outs with friends and cousins, and they are growing in character," she says. Joy knows her kids still want smartphones, but she believes that limited smartphone use is healthier for them. "There’s so much more to life than being glued to a device for entertainment and communication," she emphasized.

Dumb phones provide kids a means to communicate.

Ronna Capili Bonifacio, Smart Parenting editor-in-chief and a homeschooling mom of three, also let her kids use a Nokia phone first. She bought a phone for her two kids to share when they were 10 and 8 years old.

"I taught them the basics of how to call and send a text message. I wanted them to have a direct line to us any time they were not with us, even if they were with extended family," she said.

Having their own phone allows them to contact their parents anytime, anywhere. "My kids are homeschooled and they are with either of us (their parents), 90% of the time. Their phone comes in handy when I am away for work and they want to tell me they miss me. I like that they are able to reach us whenever they want to," Ronna added.

Her eldest child, now 12, has a smartphone but with limited use. They made the change because she needed a messaging app for school. "However, she has no social media apps or accounts of her own and no Internet access outside of home. So she is not online all day, and does not bring her phone with her when we go out," she explained.

Dumb phones give parents peace of mind.

For Daddy Joma Vicencio, a member of the Smart Parenting Squad, he bought his 10-year-old son a dumb phone for emergencies. He placed both his and his wife's numbers on speed dial.

"Smartphones and smartwatches are not allowed in their school, so this is the best and cheapest alternative. [It] gives us peace of mind knowing our son has a way to communicate. He also brings it when we go to the mall—it's easy to carry and fits in his pocket," he explained.

Simple phones like this have long battery life, too, so there’s no need for daily charging like with smartphones.

Daddy Joma said he is an advocate of less screen time for kids so they don't encourage using smart devices when going out, "At least he has an emergency phone in case he gets lost." 

Dumb phones delay the child's need for a smartphone.

Smartphones are essential for parents who use their devices for work or business. Since kids tend to imitate their parents, giving them a dumb phone first satisfies their need to feel like mom and dad.

Mommy Karen Grace Ong, also member of the Smart Parenting Squad, shared that she gave her child a hand-me-down Nokia phone to type numbers. 

"Ayaw ko po kasi muna siya turuan ng Android phone. Super bilis niya matuto, hindi ko naman tinuruan, pero minsan marunong siya mag-open ng YouTube sa phone," she said. Mommy Karen says her son's screen time is limited to TV only. "He likes numbers po kasi, so he uses the phone to type numbers from 1 to 100," she added.

Dumb phones for your kids you can buy online

Here are some parent-recommended dumb phones you can buy online or in-store.

1. Nokia 105 2G

This model is one of Nokia’s most affordable options. Just like the classic Nokia phones millennial parents grew up with, this model offers the same durability and boasts a standby time of 22 days. If not in active use, a single charge can last that long. It’s also water-resistant and has an FM radio.

Buy it on Shopee or Lazada at Php 1,190.

2. CHERRY C54 Feature Phone

For only Php 599, this phone is an affordable first step into using a mobile device. It includes basic call and text features, an audio and video player, a camera with video recording, and an FM radio.

Buy it on Shopee or Lazada at Php 599

3. Nokia 3210 4G Basic Phone

This nostalgic phone from the past is back and makes a great starter phone for kids. It includes basic call and text functions, a rear camera, 4G and Bluetooth connectivity, and limited access to Cloud Apps like YouTube Shorts. It also features the classic Snake game.

Buy it on Shopee or Lazada at Php 3,390

4. i17 Mini Flip Phone

As seen on TikTok, this cute flip phone is a good starter phone for kids, with dual sim feature, rear camera, and flashlight. It comes in blue, purple, pink, and gold.

Buy it on Shopee or Lazada at Php 974

So when is the best time to give your child a dumb phone or any mobile phone? Experts say, the older the child is, the better.

Want to know more about why you shouldn’t give your child below 10 access to smartphones? Read more here.

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