Too Young for a Phone? These Devices Will Keep You and Your Kids in Contact

Give your little ones independence, but stay connected with these kid-friendly devices.

July 08, 2022

By: Amanda Mushro

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Photo By: Sally Anscombe

5 Kid-Friendly Devices for Safety and Contact

When you are trying to give your child more freedom — letting them walk to school with friends or ride their bike around the neighborhood without you just a few feet behind them — their independence doesn't mean you have to be completely disconnected. For kids who are still too young to have their own cell phone, there are plenty of other devices they can use to communicate with you. These gadgets give them a way to contact you if there's an emergency (or even if they just want to chat), they give parents a clear picture of where their children are at any given time, and they won't break the budget. We've rounded up a few of the most popular devices and we're breaking down the pros and cons of each.

Gizmo Watch

For under five bucks a month, kids with a Gizmo watch get a ton of great features that are similar to having a phone — but without the hefty price tag. This child-sized smartwatch contains a GPS tracker that connects to an app on their parents phone, allows them to call and text 10 approved contacts, and even has a step counter that encourages your child to reach their steps each day! There are tons of fun accessories and bands that you can add to the Gizmo to personalize your child’s watch. This one is a great option for parents looking for more than just a tracker but not ready to make the cell phone commitment. However, since there is a monthly fee with the Gizmo, this one is a small commitment.

BUY IT: Verizon, $2.77/Month

TickTalk 4

This smartwatch has a lot of the same features as the Gizmo, but it also allows kids to make video calls. Parents are fans of TickTalk because it has a larger touchscreen, it can be connected to any network (Gizmo is strictly Verizon), and it is very durable and waterproof. Kids aren’t restricted to just 10 contacts, but parents are still in charge of who they can call or text on the TickTalk. However, there are some features that parents don't love about this watch. Some parents said the battery life wasn’t great and others found the watch to be too bulky.

BUY IT: Amazon, $199.99

AngelSense

For the most basic communication and tracking, AngelSense is a favorite among parents and caregivers. With a touch speaker phone, SOS button, and GPS tracking, parents can stay connected with their kids wherever they go. Parents love this device because the battery lasts for six days and the quality of the GPS and app are both excellent. Here’s what they don’t love — a monthly cost of $33.00 and limited minutes of talk each month. Still, this is a great option for parents who don’t want the frills of a smartwatch.

BUY IT: Amazon, $59.00

Little Tikes Tobi Robot Smartwatch

The Tobi Robot Smartwatch is a great option for younger kids. It does not have a GPS tracking function or a camera, but it does have fun games for kids to play — and parents will love that it is super affordable.

BUY IT: Amazon, $32.99

Xplora X5

This smartwatch comes with just about everything parents and kids want: call and text features from a parent-controlled list, GPS tracking, and games. Plus, it’s waterproof! Kids can actually jump into the pool wearing this watch. It also has a pretty impressive camera and features like an SOS button. However, reviews say Xplora does not work with all cell phone providers and there’s no video calling.

BUY IT: Amazon, $169.99

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