4 Ways a Child Cell Phone Can Help Them During the Pandemic

At first glance, it might seem strange to buy a cell phone for your child during this time when we’re all still staying home. If nobody’s going anywhere, why would one be necessary?

This post is sponsored by Twigby, but all opinions are my own.

But having a cell phone can really help you and your child get through this unprecedented season. Here’s how.

Safety at Home. If you need to run to the store, have to regularly leave the house for work since you’re an essential worker, or just want a date night out with your spouse, your child needs a way to easily contact you while they’re at home (or, in a worst-case scenario, call Emergency Services). Sure, there are apps and devices that can mimic this same communication but they are all dependent on power and wi-fi – and if either of those go down, they’re rendered useless. Simply put, a cell phone is the most reliable communication tool out there.
Social Connection Online. Social connection is the hardest part of quarantine. Having a cell phone allows kids to call and text their friends, keep up with them via various communication apps, or simply connect long to enough to plan their next video game playdate.
Social Connection Offline. Most families aren’t in complete lockdown anymore. A cell phone keeps connection between you and your child so they can safely interact with their peers – whether it’s riding around the neighborhood, meeting up at a local park, or hanging out at a friend’s house. If you have a locator service enabled, you can even keep tabs on your child as they’re running around with their friends.
Back-Up Tech. A lot of children will be engaged in distance learning this fall. If we know anything about technology, it’s that sometimes it fails. A phone gives your child a back-up device to access their classes, participate in Zoom calls, or collaborate with classmates on group projects. In fact, some people do distance learning entirely on their phones because that’s what they have available. It’s amazing what these little devices can do!

I have an 11-year-old who’s starting middle school in the fall. And when our district announced that we’d be 100% remote, the thing that saddened me most is that he wouldn’t know most of the kids in his classes. Moving from an elementary school where everyone became familiar over the years to a middle school with several feeder schools and a lot of new faces he won’t meet in person, I’m finding it more important than ever for him to maintain existing connections.

Just about a year ago we got him a cell phone through Twigby and I’ve been so grateful that he’s had it through this pandemic. Before school let out in March he exchanged numbers with classmates to text and stay in touch. He calls his cousins regularly to check in or to schedule group video game sessions. He meets up with a buddy to ride bikes, and as a mom I feel safe because he can always reach me when he needs me.

Honestly? It’s been a lifeline.

If you’re considering a cell phone for your child, you want one that won’t break the bank. Twigby has plans that are far cheaper than other service providers, and even less expensive than add-on lines with your existing major carrier. Plans are customizable so you’re in complete control; don’t want them to have data or accidentally incur overage charges? No problem!

And since they operate using the nation’s largest and most reliable network, service is super reliable. You get all of the benefits of a major provider without the name-brand price tag.

See what Twigby has to offer and, if you’ve been considering a cell phone for your child, now is a great time. You’ll even get 25% off your first six months of service! Check out Twigby today!