So you want a 'dumb phone' for your kid? I think I found the right one

The new feature on this mobile device goes beyond just regular parenting controls. 

These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you make a purchase through the links in this article. Learn more

 

 

Whether you like it or not, your child WILL get a mobile phone one day.

Personally, it's a 'milestone' I've been particularly anxious about. But I know it's coming.

The reality is, children as young as seven years of age have access to their own personal device such as a mobile phone and even more alarming, these second-graders have complete access to X-rated content because of it. 

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

"The internet is waiting for you to give your child a smartphone"

When I sat down with ex-detective and child protection advocate, Kristie McVee, recently for a chat on Kidspot's podcast, Mum Club, the reality of giving my 12yo son his first mobile phone really hit me. 

"The whole internet, everyone who is wanting to prey on your child, is waiting for you to give your child a smartphone," Kristi says candidly. 

Just let that sink in for a moment. 

As Kristi points out, we teach our children how to drive a car before giving them a license, we teach little ones how to ride a bike before letting them off on their own, so why is a handheld device given to children so freely with no real education, the freedom to download any chat or app they like... no frank discussions about safety?

Having surveyed several parents about this, it appears more and more of us are seriously considering giving our children what we like to refer to as a "dumb phone". A phone that goes back to the basics - for calling or texting someone when you need. No group chats, no Instagram or Facebook, no Snapchat... just the ability to get in touch. 

Are you looking for the perfect phone for your teen or tween? Image: iStock

"But that's not cool mum!"

"Why do you have to be so strict?"

"Do you know how often I'm excluded because I'm not allowed on Snapchat or group messages?"

"Oh, you can't protect them all of their life!"

"My child doesn't engage in those chats anyway..."

I've heard it all before. And every single time I hear it, I give myself a pat on the back because I know I've done the right thing.

But here's the thing... I'm also a realist. My son is going into high school next year and I know he'll need a phone. And the good news is, I think I have finally found one that will please us both. 

Tune in to our special two-part episode of Mum Club with ex-detective Kristi McVee, where she talks about the dangers of social media and why every parent should consider a "dumb phone" for their child. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

I think I found the right phone for parents AND teens

When I first heard about HMD's (Human Mobile Device) Skyline mobile, I immediately thought it was just another smartphone to be avoided. And while yes, it is a smartphone, it also allows you all of those "dumb" things some may want from their child's first personal handheld device. 

The HMD Skyline, retailing at $899, is a bit of an influencer's dream. It's a phone, yes, but it also boasts a 50MP selfie camera with autofocus and eye-tracking to ensure sharp selfies and portrait images. You don't even need to press a button to activate a shot. 

Along with an impressive 48-hour battery, this device also takes mobile phone repairability to the next level with the ability to replace a shattered screen in seconds as well as fixing up other regular mishaps seen with mobile phones such as bent charging ports and tired batteries. 

While these features are impressive they're not the big appeal here.

RELATED: Parents plead for stricter social media access

The HMD just might be the 'dumb phone' you've been looking for. Image: Supplied

More than just regular parenting controls

The HMD Skyline also boasts a digital "Detox Mode". 

This new feature is like a bit of a level up from regular parental controls, where the user is able to activate the detox mode which will then block any social media accounts or other apps during a specific time. 

The software comes pre-loaded on the device, showing up as a widget that sits on the home screen. By simply clicking the widget, you are able to activate the detox and customise it accordingly, choosing a length of time or specific apps. Once activated, these apps will disappear from the home screen, removing any temptation to click. 

The feature was introduced to allow their users to get the break they need from the digital world from time to time, but for parents, it means that with this mode activated, you know that those apps won't be at all utilised.

The detox mode allows you to completely block social media apps that you don't want your child anywhere near. Image: Supplied

"It’s all about creating a fashionable way to have a healthy relationship with your smartphone," Brenden Folitarik, HMD GM of Australia and Oceania, said in a statement. 

"This phone is going to be a game-changer," Lars Silberbauer, Global CMO of Human Mobile Devices adds. 

"Gen Z’s want beautiful phones that take beautiful pictures. We’re giving them that. They want to take a detox every once in a while and step away from the incessant digital flow. We’re giving them that. HMD Skyline delivers everything they want and need."

And for parents like me, who will eventually have to cut the umbilical cord and allow their child the freedom on their own mobile device, this just might be the unit that gives me the peace of mind. I will just run my own crash course in online safety myself before handing it over!

Originally published as So you want a 'dumb phone' for your kid? I think I found the right one