You want your child to talk with others, but you also want them safe. Here are the top 10 smartphones for kids in 2025: Bark Phone, Pinwheel, Troomi, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, MMGuardian, Google Pixel 6a, Gabb Phone, Apple iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy A25 5G, and Vertu Quantum Flip. Each phone has strong parental controls and good privacy features. This helps you worry less about dangers.
Did you know 90% of parents care most about safety when picking a phone for their child? You are not the only one.
Statistic |
Value |
---|---|
Children with smartphones by age 8 |
20% |
Children in the US owning smartphones by age 11 |
53% |
Teenagers checking phone messages after waking up |
72% |
Picking a Smartphone With Information Safety helps protect your child’s privacy. It also gives you peace of mind. There are choices for every age, budget, and need. This helps you pick the best one for your family.
Key Takeaways
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Pick smartphones that have good safety features. These help keep your child's privacy and data safe. – Find parental controls that let you check messages. They also block bad content and set screen time rules. – Think about your child's age and how mature they are. This helps you pick a phone that fits their needs and your safety rules. – Use tools like Family Link or Screen Time. These help you set up and manage parental controls well. – Talk about online safety with your child often. This helps them learn why using a phone responsibly is important.
Best Phones for Kids 2025
Top 10 List Overview
You want to find the best phones for kids that keep them safe and give you peace of mind. In 2025, you have more choices than ever. Here are the top 10 best phones for kids that stand out for their information safety features:
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Bark Phone
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Pinwheel
-
Troomi
-
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
-
MMGuardian Phone
-
Google Pixel 6a
-
Gabb Phone
-
Apple iPhone 16
-
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
-
Vertu Quantum Flip
These phones made the list because they offer strong parental controls, message monitoring, and web filtering. Many also have location tracking and app access controls. You can find a phone that fits your budget, your child’s age, and your family’s needs.
Nearly half of parents say their kids have seen inappropriate content online. About 29% say their kids have faced cyberbullying. You want a phone that helps protect against these risks.
When you look for the best phones for kids, you should check for features like upfront and monthly costs, trial periods, network compatibility, safe internet access, and tools to block bad content. You also want to see if the phone lets you monitor messages and control which apps your child can use.
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a quick look at how the best phones for kids compare on key safety features:
Phone |
Parental Controls |
Message Monitoring |
Location Tracking |
Web Filter |
Age Suitability |
Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bark Phone |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
7+ |
$199-$299 |
Pinwheel |
Yes |
Limited |
Yes |
Yes |
8+ |
$199-$329 |
Troomi |
Yes |
Limited |
Yes |
Yes |
8+ |
$179-$299 |
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G |
Yes |
Varies |
Yes |
Yes |
10+ |
$220-$300 |
MMGuardian Phone |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
9+ |
$149-$249 |
Google Pixel 6a |
Yes |
Varies |
Yes |
Yes |
10+ |
$349-$399 |
Gabb Phone |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
7+ |
$99-$149 |
Apple iPhone 16 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
12+ |
$799+ |
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G |
Yes |
Varies |
Yes |
Yes |
10+ |
$250-$350 |
Vertu Quantum Flip |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
13+ |
$4,730-$27,850 |
You can see that the best phones for kids cover a wide range of prices and features. Some focus on basic controls, while others offer advanced monitoring and security. This makes it easier for you to pick the right phone for your child.
Smartphone with Information Safety: Why It Matters
Risks for Kids
When you give your child a smartphone, you open up a world of possibilities. But you also need to think about the risks. Kids face many dangers online, and a smartphone with information safety can help protect them. Here are some of the most common risks:
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Cyberbullying: Kids might get mean messages or be picked on through texts and social media. This can make them feel sad or anxious.
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Mental Health Challenges: Too much screen time can lead to problems like depression or trouble handling emotions.
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Social Isolation: If your child spends too much time on their phone, they might miss out on real-life friendships and face-to-face talks.
You want your child to explore and learn, but you also want to keep them safe. That’s why choosing a smartphone with information safety is so important.
Benefits of Safe Phones for Kids
A smartphone with information safety gives you tools to protect your child’s privacy and data. You can set up controls that block bad websites and apps. You can also manage what your child downloads and who they talk to.
“Over 95% of users found tools increased awareness of privacy risks.“
Here’s how you can use a smartphone with information safety to help your child:
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Adjust safety settings early to block access to sensitive data.
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Set content filters to keep out inappropriate websites and apps.
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Activate parental controls in app stores for age-appropriate content.
You can also follow these steps to boost protection:
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Manage app permissions so only trusted apps get data.
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Limit location sharing to apps you trust.
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Reset app access for programs your child no longer uses.
Studies show that parental controls can lower the chances of your child seeing harmful content or being bullied online. Still, it’s good to talk with your child about trust and online choices. When you use a smartphone with information safety, you give your child freedom to learn and connect, while you keep their world secure.
Reviews: Safe Phones for Kids
Bark Phone
You want your child to be safe with their phone. The Bark Phone is special because it gives you strong tools to keep your child safe. You can use parental controls and get alerts right away. You can also watch what your child does on the phone. Kids cannot delete text messages unless you say it’s okay. You can block apps or websites you do not trust. You can also set up custom times for using the phone. As your child gets older, you can change the controls. The Bark Phone works for kids ages 7 and up. It usually costs between $199 and $299.
Tip: Bark Phone will send you alerts if it finds something bad, so you can help your child quickly.
Feature |
Bark Phone |
Other Kid-Focused Smartphones |
---|---|---|
Parental Controls |
Strong and easy to change |
Only basic controls |
Monitoring Digital Interactions |
You can see everything |
Not much monitoring |
Ability to Evolve with Maturity |
Yes |
No |
Text Message Deletion Control |
Kids cannot delete without you |
Kids can delete anytime |
App and Website Blocking |
Yes |
Not many options |
GPS Location Tracking |
Updates in real time |
Sometimes not included |
Alerts for Concerning Content |
Yes |
Not common |
Custom Time Schedules |
Yes |
Few or no options |
Pinwheel
Pinwheel helps you keep your child safe while they use technology. This phone lets you use a parent app to see what your child does. You can also use AI tools safely. If your child is not ready for some features, you can turn them off. The AI answers are always right for your child’s age. You can check these answers on your dashboard. Pinwheel is good for kids ages 8 and up. The price is between $199 and $329.
-
Pinwheel lets parents watch AI chats.
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You can turn off features your child is not ready for.
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Parents can check AI answers from far away.
Troomi
Troomi gives you strong safety features and lots of control. It uses KidSmart OS to block apps you do not allow. You pick who your child can call or text. You can see where your child is and set limits for screen time. The parent dashboard makes it easy to watch everything. As your child grows, you can let them use more features. Troomi is great for kids ages 8 and up. Prices are from $179 to $299.
Feature |
Description |
---|---|
KidSmart OS |
Android that blocks apps you do not allow |
Contact control |
Only people you approve can call or text |
GPS tracking |
See where your child is right now |
Custom screen time limits |
Set how long your child can use the phone |
Parent dashboard |
Easy to watch and change settings |
Growth-based permissions |
Give more features as your child gets older |
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G gives you strong controls and is flexible. You can use Google’s Family Link app to watch your child’s phone use. You can see where they are, set app limits, and manage what they buy. This phone is good for kids ages 10 and up. You can find it for $220 to $300.
Note: Family Link works on any phone with the newest Android, so you can use it with other phones too.
MMGuardian Phone
MMGuardian Phone helps keep your child’s data safe. You can control what information is collected and delete accounts or app sign-ups. The phone uses SSL encryption to keep data safe when it moves. You can see what is collected using the Family Web Portal or Parent App. MMGuardian keeps data safe and only stores it for about 30 days. MMGuardian is good for kids ages 9 and up. Prices are from $149 to $249.
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Delete accounts or app sign-ups to stop data collection.
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Turn information collection on or off for each thing.
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See data through the Family Web Portal or Parent App.
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SSL encryption keeps data safe when sent.
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Data is stored safely for a short time.
Google Pixel 6a
Google Pixel 6a gives your family advanced safety features. You get tools to manage your child’s device and online use. The phone has built-in authentication, so only people you allow can use it. You also get emergency sharing, safety checks, and SOS features for emergencies. Google Pixel 6a is best for kids ages 10 and up. The price is usually $349 to $399.
Feature |
Description |
---|---|
Family safety |
Tools and help for family safety |
Parental controls |
Manage and watch device use and online activity |
Family-friendly experiences |
Content and features that are safe for kids |
Built-in authentication |
Only allowed users can use the phone |
Personal safety features |
Emergency sharing, safety checks, and SOS features |
Gabb Phone
Gabb Phone is simple and safe. It blocks social media and apps that can be addictive. Your child cannot use Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok. The phone comes with safe apps that are already checked. There is no internet browsing or app store, so your child sees less bad content. You can set GPS Safe Zones and manage messages in Gabb Messenger. Gabb Phone is a top pick for kids ages 7 and up. Prices are from $99 to $149.
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No social media or addictive apps.
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Only safe apps are on the phone.
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No internet browsing or app store.
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Set GPS Safe Zones and manage messages.
Apple iPhone 16 / 16e
Apple iPhone 16 and 16e give you strong parental controls. You can use Screen Time to set limits, block bad content, and control which apps your child can use. The newest updates let you approve contacts before your child talks to them. The App Store hides apps that are not right for your child’s age. You can manage all settings from your own device. iPhone 16 is best for kids ages 12 and up. Prices start at $799.
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Open Settings and tap Screen Time.
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Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your code.
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Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
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Change settings for purchases and allowed apps.
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Use Content Restrictions to block bad content and set age limits.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G works with Google’s Family Link. You can watch your child’s phone use, set limits, and manage what they buy. Family Link works with any phone with the newest Android. This phone is good for kids ages 10 and up. Prices are from $250 to $350.
-
Works with Family Link for watching and control.
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Track, limit, and share purchases.
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Works with the newest Android phones.
Vertu Quantum Flip
Vertu Quantum Flip gives your child very strong information safety. This luxury phone uses quantum encryption to keep data safe. Special privacy chips add extra security. The AI-powered Virtual Personal Assistant helps make the phone fit your child and keeps their data safe. The phone comes in many fancy finishes, so it looks special. Vertu Quantum Flip is best for teens ages 13 and up who need the most safety. Prices are from $4,730 to $27,850.
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Quantum encryption protects data in a strong way.
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Privacy chips give extra hardware security.
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AI helps make the phone fit your child.
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Comes in fancy finishes like Calfskin, Carbon Texture, and Agate.
If you want a phone that is both fancy and very safe, Vertu Quantum Flip is a great choice for kids.
Parental Controls and Monitoring
Setting Up Parental Controls
Setting up parental controls is a smart way to keep your child safe. You can use these controls to decide what your child can see and do. Here are easy steps for the most popular devices:
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For Android Phones:
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Make a Google account for your child if needed.
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Get the Family Link app on both phones.
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Sign in with your parent account and link your child’s phone.
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Check and change app and content permissions.
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Use Family Link’s dashboard to manage features.
-
-
For iPhones:
-
Go to Settings and turn on Screen Time.
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Set up supervision, downtime, and content limits.
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Add a passcode so only you can change settings.
-
Tip: After you set up controls, check them to make sure they work.
Parental controls help you block bad content, set screen time, and approve apps. These tools help you feel better while your child uses their phone.
Monitoring and Managing Usage
After you set up controls, you should watch how your child uses their phone. Many tools help parents see what kids do and keep them safe. Here are some good choices:
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Qustodio lets you track web use, block apps, and find your child’s location.
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Net Nanny filters internet content and shows search history reports.
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Bark checks social media for cyberbullying and sends alerts about risks.
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Kaspersky Safe Kids gives GPS tracking, sets limits, and blocks harmful searches.
You can use these tools with parental controls for the best safety. Parents should talk with kids about why these rules are important. When you use controls and monitoring together, you help your child learn good habits and stay safe online.
Remember: Parental controls work best when you talk openly and check in often.
Cheap Smartphones for Kids: Budget-Friendly Picks
Affordable Safe Phones
You want your child’s first phone to be safe and easy to use. Cheap smartphones for kids can give you strong parental controls without breaking the bank. You can find many options that help you set screen time limits, block unwanted apps, and track your child’s location. Here are some of the best cheap smartphones for kids in 2025:
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Costs around $170. You get parental controls, location tracking, and enough storage for school apps.
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Realme Narzo 50A: Priced at $140. It includes safety features and lets you set screen time limits.
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Samsung Galaxy A14: About $180. Parents like its simple interface and built-in location tracking.
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Infinix Hot 12: Around $130. Supports educational apps and offers parental controls.
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Motorola Moto E40: $150. Clean software and easy location tracking.
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OPPO A54: $155. Great for preteens, with safety features and screen time limits.
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Tecno Spark 9: $130. Simple for kids and supports location tracking.
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Huawei Y5p: $110. Compact and good for younger kids as a first phone for kids.
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Samsung Galaxy M12: $160. Trusted by parents for safety and location tracking.
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Realme C55: $170. Perfect for older children, with creative apps and screen time limits.
You can see that cheap smartphones for kids come in many styles and prices. Each one gives you tools to keep your child safe.
Balancing Price and Safety
You might wonder if the best cheap smartphones can really protect your child. The price range for safe smartphones for kids in 2025 goes from about $69.99 to $449. Usually, higher-priced phones offer more advanced parental controls, location tracking, and better screen time limits. Still, you can find cheap smartphones for kids that cover the basics.
Here’s a quick table to help you compare value for money:
Model |
Price |
Parental Controls |
Location Tracking |
Screen Time Limits |
Age Suitability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 |
$170 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
8+ |
Realme Narzo 50A |
$140 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
8+ |
Samsung Galaxy A14 |
$180 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
9+ |
Infinix Hot 12 |
$130 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
7+ |
OPPO A54 |
$155 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
10+ |
You can pick a first phone for kids that fits your budget and still keeps them safe. Cheap smartphones for kids let you set screen time limits and use location tracking, so you know where your child is and what they do. You don’t have to spend a lot to get peace of mind.
Tip: Always check if the phone supports parental controls and location tracking before you buy. This helps you make sure your child’s first phone for kids is safe and easy to manage.
Choosing the Right Smartphone
Age and Maturity
Picking the right smartphone for your child starts with knowing how ready they are. You want to make sure your child can handle the responsibility. Ask yourself a few questions:
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Does your child show responsibility in daily life?
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Has your child had trouble with self-control or social problems?
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Has your child used digital media in a healthy way before?
You also want to think about these things:
-
Your child’s maturity level. Can they follow rules and respect boundaries?
-
Why does your child need a phone? Is it for safety, school, or staying in touch?
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Does your child understand online safety and how social media works?
If your child is still learning about online risks, you might want a phone with stronger controls. If they show good judgment, you can give them more freedom.
Tip: Talk with your child about what you expect before you hand them a phone.
Durability and Design
Kids drop things. You want a phone that can survive bumps and falls. Look for sturdy cases and screens that resist scratches. Some phones come with water resistance, which helps if your child is active or forgetful. Bright colors or fun designs can make the phone feel special. You might want a phone with a simple layout so your child doesn’t get confused.
Phones like the Gabb and Pinwheel are built for younger kids. They have tough bodies and easy-to-use menus. Older kids might like sleeker phones, but make sure they can handle them.
Information Safety Priorities
Safety matters most. You want a phone that protects your child’s data and keeps them away from risky content. Here’s a quick look at how some top phones handle safety features:
Phone |
Internet Browsing |
Social Media Access |
Parental Alerts |
GPS Tracking |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gabb |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Pinwheel |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Troomi |
Yes (filtered) |
No |
No |
Yes |
Bark Phone |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
You want to check if the phone blocks social media, filters web content, and sends you alerts. GPS tracking helps you know where your child is. Phones with strong parental controls let you set limits and keep your child safe.
Remember: The best phone is one that fits your child’s age, maturity, and your family’s safety needs.
Picking a smartphone with good information safety and parental controls keeps your child safe online. Parents often worry about what smartphones can do. It helps to set clear rules and use safety tools. Think about how old your child is and if they act mature. Also, look at your budget before you choose. Check the top phones for parents and use the table to compare them. The right phone lets your child talk to friends and stay safe in the digital world.
FAQ
What age is best for a child’s first smartphone?
Most parents start with ages 8 to 12. You know your child best. If your child shows responsibility and understands safety rules, they may be ready. Always talk about your expectations before you hand over a phone.
How do I set up parental controls on my kid’s phone?
You can use built-in tools like Family Link for Android or Screen Time for iPhone.
Tip: Set up controls before your child starts using the phone. Check settings often to keep them safe.
Can I track my child’s location with these phones?
Yes! Many phones on this list offer GPS tracking. You can see where your child is from your own device.
Phone Example |
GPS Tracking? |
---|---|
Bark Phone |
✅ |
Gabb Phone |
✅ |
iPhone 16 |
✅ |
What should I do if my child sees something unsafe online?
Stay calm. Ask your child what happened. Use this as a chance to talk about online safety.
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Block or report harmful content
-
Adjust parental controls if needed
-
Remind your child to tell you about anything that feels wrong
Are luxury phones like Vertu Quantum Flip good for kids?
You might choose a luxury phone like Vertu Quantum Flip for its advanced security and unique style. It works best for older teens who need top privacy and want a premium experience.