Whether or not to give your kids a phone is a tricky decision for every parent. The fact remains that our kids are growing up in a technology-driven world. Instead of viewing a phone for your child as a negative thing, you can gain peace of mind with the ability to track their location and contact them directly no matter where they are.
While the decision to get your kid a phone can be complicated, we’ve broken it down for you to make the most informed purchase.
Also: The best kids’ tablets
What is the best kids’ phone right now?
While there are some phones on the market made specifically for kids, other smartphones provide basic and affordable features that could be useful to your child. ZDNET rounded up the kid-friendly phones and found the best overall pick to be the Apple iPhone SE, but we also included devices from Samsung, Gabb, and more.
The best phone for kids in 2025
What are the tariffs in the U.S.?
The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
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Smartphones are among the most affected by the new U.S. tariffs, with devices imported from China and Vietnam facing steep duties that could raise retail prices by 20% or more. Brands like Apple and Google, which rely heavily on Asian manufacturing, may either pass these costs on to consumers or absorb them at the expense of profit margins.
The tariffs could also lead to delays in product launches or shifts in where and how phones are made, forcing companies to diversify production to countries with more favorable trade conditions.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it’s always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech – but not for long
Are there alternative phones for kids worth considering?
In this day and age, there are nearly countless phones for children available. If you’re looking for less costly options, we recommend checking out refurbished iPhones and other used devices off of Swappa, or a similar second-hand website. The iPhone 12 is the oldest device currently sold by Apple, but it’s $599 and comes with an older processor and arguably a worse camera than the iPhone SE. However, it has Face ID, a larger display, and comes in tons of colors.
As for Android devices, you really have your pick. From well-known brands like Samsung and Motorola to lesser-known device makers like TCL and OnePlus, the list of phones that are worth considering is long.
As for smartwatches that replicate a phone-like experience, Verizon’s GizmoWatch 2 is also a respectable option.