Alternative safe phones for your teens and yourself.

Let’s face it, a regular smartphone isn’t safe for you and certainly not your teen. From social media scrolling, explicit content, to being a victim of “deepfakes”, it’s very damaging. Have you found yourself as a parent being trapped in it yourself? It’s addictive no doubt.

WHAT ALTERNATIVES EXIST?

Click the headings to buy.

1. The world’s smartest dumb phone – Wisephone by Techless

The Wisephone II is a minimalist “healthy” smartphone designed to reduce distractions and promote intentional tech use. It’s priced around $399 and requires a WiseOS subscription to access its features.

Key points:

• You can manage the phone remotely and toggle features using the Wisephone Portal.
• Focuses on essential tools only (calling, texting, camera, maps, music, calendar, etc.) and no browser or social media by default.
• Uses a curated “Tool Drawer” for optional vetted third‑party apps like Uber, Google Calendar, Spotify, WhatsApp, and Signal.
• Aims for privacy, fewer distractions, and improved well‑being (no explicit content, no ads).
• Includes features like multi‑day battery, 50 MP camera, 5G connectivity, biometric and PIN locks.

2. The Minimal Company | Live More, Scroll Less.

Minimal Company — The Minimal Phone is marketed as a distraction‑focused smartphone that combines an e‑paper display with a physical QWERTY keyboard to help users “live more, scroll less.” The phone runs Android 14, offers full app access, and aims to reduce eye strain and time spent on social media by emphasizing productivity features and a tactile keyboard.

Key points:

• Uses an e‑paper touch display for easier reading and less screen fatigue.
• Includes a full QWERTY keyboard for intentional typing and communication.
• Offers Android 14 with Google Play Store access so essential apps can still be used.
• Positioned as an alternative to regular smartphones that cause endless scrolling.
• Customer feedback is overwhelmingly negative, with many reviewers saying the phone often never ships, arrives very late, or has poor support, leading many to label the experience untrustworthy.