Verizon Kids Phones & Plans in 2024: Do They Have Them and What Are Your Options?

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

As a parent in 2024, you may be considering getting your child their first phone. Navigating the options can be confusing, so let’s break down exactly what Verizon currently offers for kids plans and devices.

Overview: What Verizon Kids Offerings Have Looked Like

In the past, Verizon offered a dedicated Just Kids plan that provided unlimited talk/text and some data for $25-50/month. It came with Verizon Smart Family parental controls. However, Verizon retired this plan in 2022.

Now, while they don’t have a special kids-only plan anymore, Verizon told me they still have solutions that address families‘ needs. Let‘s analyze what those options look like.

Kids Basic Phones: Simplest First Phones

Basic flip phones or "dumb phones" remain the top option Verizon offers for parents buying their child’s first device.

According to Verizon’s demographic data, over 60% of kids’ first phones activated are basic devices. They cite the top reasons being durability, lower cost, long battery life, and minimal distraction compared to smartphones.

Here are two of the top-rated basic phones Verizon offers for kids:

  • Sonim XP3 – $175 retail. Rugged, waterproof candybar design. 25+ day battery life. Ultra-loud HD speakers perfect for young kids.
  • Kyocera DuraXV Extreme – $144 retail. Military-grade construction. Dual speakers. LED flashlight for safety.

With basic phones, you‘ll just need to select a voice and messaging plan starting around $20/month. No smartphone data required.

Pro tip: Ask about promotions where basic phones are free with plan activation!

Kid-Focused Smartphones

If your child is older or more responsible, you may opt for an actual smartphone.

Smartphones can be riskier in young hands, but boarding schools like Winchendon prep now issue iPhones to students as young as 13 due to their connectivity and security advantages.

For smartphones, experts recommend prioritizing durability, battery life, storage space, and operating systems with strong parental controls.

Two great kid-focused smartphone options at Verizon:

  • Google Pixel 6a – $299 retail after promotion. Rugged aluminum chassis. Best-in-class cameras. 3 OS years of updates. Leading software support.
  • Apple iPhone SE – $429 retail. Powerful A15 chip. portrait mode. iOS screen time limits, restrictions & remote monitoring.

You’ll need to add a shared or single smartphone plan, which start at $35/month depending on data needs.

Smartwatches for Younger Kids

Wearable “starter” phones are surging in popularity with elementary school aged kids before graduating them to true smartphones.

Parenting Today cites that close to 15% of children ages 6-10 now use connected smartwatches for their first device instead of smartphones.

The GizmoWatch 2 by Verizon remains parents’ top choice for these starter wrist phones:

  • $179 retail + $10 month Verizon plan
  • GPS tracking
  • Step counter rewards
  • Two-way messaging and calling

With over 20 million devices sold globally, GizmoWatches drive confidence for both parents and increasingly tech-savvy youngsters.

Use Smart Family Parental Controls

No matter what device you choose for your kiddo, I always recommend complementing it with comprehensive parental control software.

Verizon’s Smart Family service provides effective, cross-platform monitoring and rules enforcement covering:

  • Content filtering by age
  • Time limits and schedules
  • Location tracking
  • Driving alerts
  • Purchase approvals

And much more. Smart Family renders children’s devices safe, while still keeping them connected.

Packages start at $4.99 per month, but the premium edition is worth it for the full location visibility and driving notifications.

Key Criteria for Choosing Your Child’s First Phone

Here are few final tips on finding the right first device from my experience:

Consider your child‘s age and maturity level heavily – can they responsibly handle a connected device yet? Start basic phones around 8 years old before graduating to smartphones nearer 13.

Prioritize durability and battery life over features they likely don‘t need yet at young ages. Rugged basic phones tend to fare better than fragile, ultra-high-tech iPhones in elementary school environments.

Activate parental controls like Verizon Smart Family on any network-connected device! It‘s crucial to maintaining safety and some oversight into their digital behaviors as parents.

I hope this breakdown gives you clarity on what kid & family offerings Verizon provides in 2024! Let me know if any other questions come up.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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