I have been looking into this online but can’t find anything in Australia re discussions on options.
Looking for as basic a phone as possible that also has voice to text (dictation) plus if possible gps tracking. Essentially a dumb phone without any distractions but the old T9 texting is something seeking to avoid, if there’s one that can turn voice to text.
May be impossible but thought I’d see if anyone else had found this, thanks
Child that can’t control their use on even the most basic other device with parent restrictions on. Easier to just go back to basics
You can turn an iPhone into basically a dumb phone, I'm sure Android can as well. Is a bit of effort if you don't know how, might need to do some research.
The issue is that if they know it can do the things they want, then constantly trying to work out how to make it do them becomes a thing. Easier to just remove the option altogether
@Hoju: I'd investigate how to lock down a smartphone but allow things like Wikipedia app. I don't know if the trick to get browser open through the Messages app still works. Like I said, you'd have to do some serious research. I'm sure there's plenty of guides and discussion on all this.
You can try using FamilyLink as part of google one. I use this to control my kids phone usage.
Hi,
Looking for recommendations for a "dumb" phone for 12yo child who is starting high school next year.
Only needs one for making phone calls and sending texts/MMS. Ideally would have a semi-decent camera (not critical) and hopefully last ~3+ years.
Looking at Nokia 235 (4G) but brand/platform agnostic and happy to consider other alternatives.
MrE
@Hoju - sounds like we are in exactly the same situation. What have you learned?
Like yourself, if we give the child a smart phone that has been "dumbed down", they will become entirely focussed on how to circumvent those controls and allow unrestricted use.
Much simpler to get a basic "dumb" phone to remove the option altogether.
I actually just went for the 235.
It sounds like it has a few crappy apps that can’t be removed but has a developed enough interface that it’s usable. My understanding is it doesn’t have the features I wanted but to get those would have been one of the advanced dumb phones like the light phone which are $300+
Yet to arrive but will update when it does
Whats the use case?