Get a Dumb Phone for Smart Kids

Can you live with a dumb phone instead of a smartphone?

Before giving my opinion, I wanted to try and the answer is “yes.” Ten dollars a month got me a flip phone that texts (unlimited) and calls numbers. It had a rudimentary browser, but I had them shut even that off. That’s all the phone does.

It is perfect for work. Texting is necessary to my job, but email has faded as a means of communication. Waiting an hour or two to get my email no longer matters as much as it once did. If you do not text me, you probably do not have an immediate problem.

The dumb phone made me smarter because it is much less distracting. If you have a dumb phone in meetings, you know if you need to take a call, but you are not distracted by notifications.

Of course, I use both now, but the smartphone can be set to charge in my car or office while the dumb phone keeps me less distracted, but still in contact with family.

One could learn discipline with a smartphone and to an extent I have. Hope and the kids have helped me discipline my phone use (no phone in the bedroom, at meals, on dates, in meetings), but the temptation is there. “Here is a break in the meeting, shouldn’t I check the news?”

No. Instead, think. Talk to people. Reflect.

Now imagine how much less discipline a youngling has than a grownup.

Having spent a year observing smartphones on campus, I have seen no need for them. Having a camera on a phone is trouble with no upside during a school day. Having the ability to play games and browse the Internet (and no controls work that I have seen) is distracting and also not needed for school.

Security and communication make a dumb phone ideal. A student can text home if needed or call 911 if that became necessary. A dumb phone is a lifeline to guardians, but not nearly the distraction of a smart phone.

And it is inexpensive.

Let’s return to our original question: “Can you live with a dumb phone instead of a smartphone?”

The obvious answer is “yes.”

A better question might be: “Can a student do as well with a smartphone as a dumb phone?”

I think the answer, for most students is “no.”

Here’s one educator’s advice for smart kids (and smarter parents): get a dumb phone for your kids for school days.