Should Your Kid’s Phone Have Internet?

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Parents today face a tough balancing act. You want your child to have a phone for safety and communication, but you’re worried about the risks that come with internet access. It’s a valid concern—from cyberbullying to inappropriate content, the online world can be overwhelming for young kids.

That’s where internet-free phones come in. These devices give your child the ability to call and text while keeping them protected from the digital dangers that keep parents up at night.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best phones for kids without internet access in 2025. We’ll look at what makes these phones special, compare their features, and help you figure out which one might be right for your family. Whether you’re looking for a simple call-and-text device or something with GPS tracking but no web browsing, we’ve got you covered.

What is a Kids Phone with No Internet?

A kids phone without internet is exactly what it sounds like—a phone that lets your child make calls and send texts but doesn’t allow them to browse the web, download apps, or access social media. Think of it as a communication tool without the digital distractions and dangers.

These phones come in a few different forms:

Feature phones are the classic “dumb phones” that were popular before smartphones took over. They have physical buttons, simple screens, and basic functions like calling, texting, and maybe a camera.

Smartwatches designed for kids offer calling and GPS features without web browsing capabilities.

Hybrid devices look like smartphones but have carefully limited functions. They might allow some apps but block internet browsers and social media.

Parents choose these internet-free options for good reasons:

“My daughter was getting distracted by YouTube during homework time,” says Maria, a mom of a 9-year-old. “With her new phone that doesn’t have internet, she can still call me after school, but there’s no temptation to watch videos instead of doing math.”

Without internet access, kids are protected from online predators, inappropriate content, and the addictive pull of endless scrolling. They can focus on the real world around them while still staying connected to family when needed.

Top 7 Best Kids Phones with No Internet Access in 2025

1. MMGuardian Kids Phone

Price: $229 and $9.99/month

The MMGuardian Kids Phone stands out with its powerful parental controls while maintaining a phone-like experience kids won’t resist using.

What parents love: The phone comes with the full MMGuardian parental control suite built in. You can block specific apps, set time limits, and track your child’s location in real time. The AI-powered safety alerts are particularly impressive—they can detect potential cyberbullying or concerning content in text messages and notify you immediately. It’s also incredibly versatile: the phone can be locked down to function like a basic flip phone, making it suitable for younger children or teens who need a stripped-down experience. Even with limited features, parents can still monitor texts, control contacts, and see their child’s location.

What kids like: It looks and feels like a regular smartphone, so kids don’t feel like they’re carrying a “baby phone.”

Drawbacks: The monthly subscription fee adds to the overall cost, though many parents feel the peace of mind is worth it.

One parent shared:
“My son needed a phone for after-school activities, but I was worried about internet access. The MMGuardian phone lets me block the browser completely while still allowing him to text his friends and call me when practice ends early.”

2. Bark Phone

Price: $59/month for the cheapest full-featured plan with data or $89 for unlimited data. Reduced features version is available for $39/month (prices include phone)

The Bark Phone combines a smartphone’s look and feel with serious parental controls that can block internet access entirely.

What parents love: The built-in Bark monitoring system scans texts for concerning content and alerts parents to potential issues. You can completely disable the browser and block app downloads, effectively creating an internet-free experience. The GPS tracking is accurate and reliable.

What kids like: It runs on Android, so it feels like a “real phone” to kids who might resist more obviously childish options.

Drawbacks: The monthly service plan is on the pricier side, though it includes the phone service and all monitoring features.

“My daughter was being bullied through text messages on her old phone,” says Tom, father of an 11-year-old. “The Bark Phone alerts me to concerning messages while still giving her the privacy to talk with friends.”

3. Gabb Phone Z2

Price: $24.99-34.99/month

The Gabb Phone looks like a smartphone but comes without internet browsers, social media, or app stores.

What parents love: No internet browser means no worrying about what your child might find online. The phone includes 14 essential apps like calling, texting, camera, and music player, but nothing that connects to the internet. GPS tracking lets you keep tabs on your child’s location.

What kids like: The camera is surprisingly good for a kids’ phone, and they can listen to music that you approve and download for them.

Drawbacks: Some parents wish for more customizable controls over specific features.

4. Jethro SC3

Price: $79.99 (no monthly subscription)

This flip phone offers simplicity with just the basics—calling, texting, and SOS features.

What parents love: The large buttons and simple interface make it perfect for younger kids. The SOS button can be programmed to call emergency contacts with one press. There’s no internet capability whatsoever, so no worries about online content.

What kids like: The sturdy build means it can handle being dropped or tossed in a backpack.

Drawbacks: The texting experience with a number pad can be frustrating for kids used to touchscreens.

5. Relay Kids Phone

Price: $49.99 + $9.99/month service

This screenless device works more like a walkie-talkie than a traditional phone.

What parents love: With no screen at all, there’s zero chance of internet access or screen addiction. Kids can communicate with parents and approved contacts by simply pressing a button and speaking. GPS tracking shows the device’s location.

What kids like: It’s small, lightweight, and can clip onto a backpack or pocket.

Drawbacks: The lack of texting capability can be limiting as kids get older.

6. TickTalk 4 (Parental Control Mode)

Price: $189.99 + service plan ($9.99/month)

This smartwatch phone can be locked down to prevent internet access while providing calling and GPS features.

What parents love: In restricted mode, all internet features are disabled. Two-way calling and messaging let kids stay in touch with approved contacts only. The GPS tracking is accurate and includes geofencing alerts.

What kids like: The watch format is fun and hard to lose, plus it includes a camera for taking photos.

Drawbacks: The small screen can make texting challenging.

7. Nokia 3310 3G

Price: $59.99 (no subscription)

This updated version of the classic Nokia phone offers basic functionality without smartphone distractions.

What parents love: The simple interface makes it easy for kids to use for calls and texts. The battery lasts for days between charges, and there’s no app store or full internet browser.

What kids like: The retro design has a certain cool factor, and it includes the classic Snake game.

Drawbacks: No GPS tracking or parental controls beyond what your carrier might offer.

Comparison Table: Kids Phones Without Internet

Why Choose MMGuardian & Bark Phone?

When it comes to balancing communication needs with safety, MMGuardian and Bark Phone stand out from the crowd. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these options particularly strong for parents concerned about internet access.

MMGuardian: Complete Control with Flexibility

The MMGuardian Kids Phone combines hardware with powerful software that gives parents unprecedented control over their child’s digital experience.

Advanced Monitoring: MMGuardian doesn’t just block content—it actively monitors communications for potential issues. The AI-powered system can detect signs of cyberbullying, depression, or predatory behavior in text messages and alerts parents immediately.

“The text monitoring saved us from a scary situation,” shares Jennifer, mother of a 10-year-old. “My daughter received messages from someone claiming to be a classmate, but the AI flagged suspicious language patterns. It turned out to be an adult trying to arrange a meeting.”

Customizable Controls: Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, MMGuardian lets you decide exactly what your child can access:

Block the internet browser completely
Allow specific websites only
Set time limits for different apps
Approve contacts for calling and texting

Location Features: Beyond basic GPS, MMGuardian offers location history, real-time tracking, and geofencing that alerts you when your child arrives at or leaves specific locations like school or home.

Remote Management: Change settings, lock the device, or check in on activity from anywhere using the parent app on your own phone.

Bark Phone: Built-in Safety from the Ground Up

The Bark Phone takes a different approach by building comprehensive safety features directly into a device that looks and feels like a standard smartphone.

Integrated Protection: The Bark safety platform that many parents add to regular phones comes fully integrated, monitoring texts, emails, and other communications concerning content.

Content Filtering: Parents can block access to the internet entirely or allow only specific sites. The same goes for apps—you control what can and cannot be downloaded.

Family Communication: Bark’s check-in feature lets kids send their location with a single tap, and the family alerts system makes it easy to coordinate pickups or send quick updates.

A parent of a 12-year-old shared: “My son was resistant to having a ‘kid phone,’ but the Bark Phone looks like a regular smartphone. He gets to feel grown-up while I get to make sure he’s not accessing inappropriate content.”

How They Compare to Other Options

Both MMGuardian and Bark offer something the simpler phones on our list don’t: they grow with your child. While a basic flip phone might be perfect for an 8-year-old, your 12-year-old might need something that looks less “babyish” but still keeps them safe.

With MMGuardian and Bark, you can gradually open up more features as your child demonstrates responsibility. Maybe you start with no internet access at all, then eventually allow specific educational websites, and later add carefully selected apps.

This flexibility makes them worth the higher price point for many families, especially those with children in the 10-14 age range who need more than just calling capabilities but aren’t ready for unrestricted internet access.

How to Choose the Right No Internet Phone for Your Child

Finding the perfect phone for your child depends on several factors. Here’s how to narrow down your options:

Consider your child’s age and maturity level:

Ages 5-8: Simple devices like the Relay or Jethro flip phone are often best. Kids this age typically only need to communicate with parents and caregivers.
Ages 8-11: Phones like the Gabb or TickTalk watch offer more features while maintaining strong boundaries.
Ages 11-14: The MMGuardian or Bark Phone provide a more “grown-up” feel with strong protections.

Identify must-have features:

Is GPS tracking essential for your peace of mind?
Does your child need to text, or is calling sufficient?
Do you want the ability to monitor communications?
Is camera functionality important to your child?

Lisa, mother of three, suggests: “Make a list of your non-negotiables. For me, it was GPS tracking and the ability to block all internet access. That narrowed my options quickly.”

Consider your budget: Remember to factor in both the initial device cost and any monthly service fees. Some phones require specific carrier plans, while others work with any SIM card.

Check network compatibility: Make sure the phone you choose works with your preferred carrier or the strongest network in your area.

Think about the future: Will this phone meet your child’s needs for the next year or two, or will they quickly outgrow its limitations?

Setting Up a Kids Phone Without Internet

Once you’ve chosen the right phone, proper setup is crucial to ensure it remains internet-free:

For phones with built-in controls (MMGuardian, Bark):

Create your parent account during initial setup
Enable all safety features before giving the phone to your child
Block the browser and app store completely
Set up approved contact lists for calling and texting

For basic phones without parental controls:

Check with your carrier about data-free plans or options to block data at the carrier level
Some carriers offer family plans with parental controls that work across any device
Physically check the phone regularly to ensure no browser or app store access

For hybrid approaches: If you’re using a regular smartphone but want to block internet:

Install a parental control app like MMGuardian
Use the app to block browsers and app stores
Disable data in the phone’s settings
Consider using your carrier’s parental control options as an additional layer of protection

“The key is setting everything up before giving the phone to your child,” advises Michael, father of twins. “It’s much harder to take away features later than to gradually grant more privileges as they earn trust.”

Final Thoughts on Kids Phones Without Internet

Giving your child their first phone doesn’t have to mean opening the door to the entire internet. The options we’ve covered provide ways for kids to stay connected with family and friends without the risks of unrestricted web access.

The best choice depends on your specific family needs, but phones like the MMGuardian and Bark Phone offer particularly strong solutions that combine communication capabilities with powerful safety features.

Whatever option you choose, remember that technology is just one part of keeping kids safe. Open conversations about digital citizenship, regular check-ins about phone use, and clear family rules are equally important parts of the equation.

By choosing a phone without internet access, you’re giving your child an appropriate level of independence while maintaining the boundaries they need during these formative years.

Published: May 23, 2024

For the best protection of your child, please take a look at the safest teen and kids phone, the MMGuardian Phone.

Phone	Price	Call/Text	Internet Access	GPS Tracking	Parental Controls	Battery Life	Network
MMGuardian Kids Phone	$199 + $4.99–$9.99/mo	Full	Blockable	Advanced real-time	Extensive with AI alerts	1–2 days	All major carriers
Bark Phone	$249 + $49/mo	Full	Blockable	Advanced real-time	Extensive with content monitoring	1–2 days	T-Mobile
Gabb Phone Z2	$149.99 + $19.99–$24.99/mo	Full	None	Basic	Limited customization	1–2 days	Gabb Wireless (Verizon)
Jethro SC3	$79.99	Full	None	Basic	None	3–5 days	Unlocked GSM