Great products that I highly recommend

I reach out to every brand that I mention in my writing and speaking. Some offer affiliate links and promo codes. I share them all here.

Phones & Watches

Gabb Phone & Watch

Gabb is one of my top picks for parent-managed phones and watches . Gabb allows you all of the controls including the ability to monitor texts and fully turn off group chats. Gabb Phones have plans that increase access to apps over time but this device has no way to get to the internet. The Gabb Watch allows your kid to text with friends when you are ready for that but is still locked down from the internet and apps.

The Pinwheel Phone

Pinwheel is a great option for parent-managed phones. It allows you all of the controls including the ability to monitor texts and fully turn off group chats. Pinwheel only has one plan through which parents can control access to apps and has no way to get to the internet. This is what I gave my Middle Schooler.

The Bark Phone & Watch

Bark Phones and Watches are also great options. Super locked down, with text monitoring capabilities. The Phone has step plans so you can start completely locked down and eventually open up to a smartphone. The Watch allows kids to text with friends with no internet access.

The Wisephone

If you are looking for a true dumbphone, I recommend the Wisephone. Its super cool looking and only allows access to phone, text and a few practical apps that I call the City Kid Essentials (Map, Waze, Wallet). This one is very popular with the Gen Z Kids as a second phone when they want to leave the internet and constant distractions of a smartphone behind. Many adults I know are using them now too.

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Not Phones & Watches

The BoT

The BoT is a 2 way communicator with GPS. Its a great solution for younger kids—if you want a way to stay in touch but you don’t want to give a watch.

And the case

The Mighty

The Mighty is not a phone but it is a handy music solution. If you are interested in a portable standalone music player— think the Shuffle, the Mighty might be perfect for you. Its a great companion device for parents to give kids if they are opting for very low tech/locked down phones.

Starglow Podcast Subscription

I love audio as an alternative to screen time. Happily there are some pretty high quality podcasts out there for kids. Some of my favorites are Kid Nuz, Who Smarted and their Sleep Series.

Use PROMO CODE: DIGITALMOM at check out for 50% off an annual Subscription.

Parental Control Apps & Tools

The Brick

The Brick is an app for your phone and a 3D Printed key that allow you to lock your phone. Its really great for managing screen time on any device. I use this myself! Use this link for 10% off any order!

Bright Canary

Bright Canary is the only parental control app that can monitor messages both texts and on social media.

Use Promo Code DIGITAL MOM for $20 a Premium Subscription

Bark

The Bark App is great for time management and getting alerts about problematic content. It works better for Android Devices