Best Cell Phones for Kids

The best cell phones for kids help your family stay connected and give you much-desired peace of mind without breaking your budget. While many parents feel skittish about giving a child a cell phone, the tailor-made options on these phones may make a believer out of even the biggest opponent of cell phones for kids.

1.

$79.99-$89.99 + service

 Official site

 Three brightly colored buttons make calling mom, dad, or 911 a snap, and a PIN-protected 20-number phone book lets parents set the numbers their children can call. They even have the option of setting the phone to reject calls from numbers not on the approved list. A prepaid plan also helps control phone use. Bright colors, cartoon designs, customized ring tones, and animation options appeal to a kid's sense of fun.

2.

$99.95 + service

 The Wherifone's signature feature is a GPS system allowing you to track the location of your child via web or phone. The GPS is designed to even work under light cover, so you have the potential to find your little one in a wooded area or inside a car. An "SOS" button lets children instantly call for help in an emergency. Like other child-friendly options, parents control the numbers children are allowed to dial, and users can't download games or send text messages.

3.

$99 + service

 Official site

 Parents can set controls on numbers called, and even designate what times those numbers may be called, so you don't have to worry about a late-night chat session. Kids and parents can download photos and create to-do lists, while parents can send reminders and allow their children to earn extra phone time by playing educational LeapFrog games. Pay-as-you-go service means you only pay for the minutes you need.

4.

$149.99-$199.99 + service, although rebates are usually available

 Official site

 Disney mobile service is more about the content than the phones. Older children may prefer the Disney options because they come in the latest flip phone styles with full service capabilities. In short, they aren't obviously "cell phones for kids." Even though the phones offer more options, Disney still gives parents extensive control over the numbers children call, when they call them, and how long they talk.

5.

Varies by phone, although models are available for as little as $9.99

 Official site

 The TracFone is durable and cheap, making it one of the best cell phones for kids. With pay-as-you-go service, you don't have to worry about contracts or using up pre-set amounts of minutes. It lacks the branding, controls, and kid-friendly style of other options, though.

6.

$79.99 for two

 Official site

 ChatNow is really a glorified walkie-talkie with a 2-mile service radius between two phones. Kids can talk, send text messages, and share photos with no additional service fees. Most parents won't be satisfied with these options, but for kids who are dying to own a cell phone, it just may fit the bill.

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