@smartphonefreechildhood have tested and reviewed a number of devices for people who don't want to give their child a smartphone.
We are grateful that our startphone, XploraOne is included in this honest review.
Designed specifically for children, it has no social media, no internet and no app store. The features are intentionally simple and safe, for calls, messaging and GPS tracking.
Find out more, link in our bio.
#XploraOne #SmartphoneFreeChildhood
Looking for ideas beyond screens? đ Here are simple screen-free activities for the whole family, because the best moments happen offline.
#ScreenFreeWeek
Figures from an Xplora survey show that nearly 4 in 10 children worry that they spend too much time on their phones. This tells us something important: many children want to use screens less, but find it difficult to limit their usage on their own.
At the same time, only 1 in 10 parents say they are good digital role models.
The goal of #ScreenFreeWeek is therefore to raise awareness about the increasing screen use in our daily lives and encourage children and adults to be thoughtful and intentional about where, in everyday life, they can take a break from screens. #ScreenFreeWeek
This Spring, children have shown the difference small steps can make. In just a few weeks, 2446 care packages, at a value of 384.000 NOK (approx. ÂŁ30,000), have been donated to refugee children through our collaboration with UNICEF Norway.
Children have taken thousand of steps to earn Xplora Coins to help other children. Their activity is creating a real impact which feels especially important in the times we are living in.
đ Read more via link in bio!
𸠊 UNICEF/UNI551656/Szalontai
Let children choose their own style đ With Xplora, you can swap straps to match their mood, colour or favourite outfit. Because self-expression should always be fun, at any age!
The Xplora X6Play Smartwatch recently featured in the The Independent's "Best kidsâ smartwatches for parents to buy in 2026".
"I liked the GPS tracking, which always proved accurate and was easy to monitor in the parent app."
Read the full review via the link in our bio.
Smartphone bans in schools are a pleasing step forward, but they are not the full solution.
Locking phones away for a few hours doesnât solve the issues that smartphones bring to children â it moves the scrolling, addiction and risks beyond the school gate.
One of the real positives we see though from this Government move is that it helps parents ease the overwhelming pressure to give children a smartphone early. Itâs another chance to talk to children about the issues from a wider perspective.
To help children grow, learn and stay connected safely, it starts with what we put in their hands in the first place. There are multiple safer alternatives available, including XploraOne, the startphone designed specially for children.
They donât need the entire internet in their pockets at this early age.
Thankfully, we are seeing a global movement toward being a lot more considered, sensible, and selective about the type of technology we give our children.
A turning point for child safety online.
The latest U.S. verdict against Meta makes one thing clear:
children's safety canât come second to engagement anymore.
What happened:
⢠Meta must pay $375M for misleading users about child safety
⢠First successful lawsuit of its kind by a U.S. state
⢠Risks were known internally â but not addressed transparently
⢠Thousands of similar cases are already in motion
Whatâs changing:
Itâs no longer just about content â itâs about how platforms are designed.
Infinite scroll. Autoplay. Addictive mechanics.
These are now seen as choices â with consequences.
- Product design = responsibility
In a parallel case, Meta (Instagram) and YouTube were also held responsible for mental health harm linked to addictive design.
Whatâs next:
More lawsuits.
Platform changes.
A shift in the entire industry.
This could be a defining moment.
The question isnât if change is coming â but how fast.
Itâs time to build safer digital spaces.
Buying your childâs first phone can feel like a huge decision. đą
You want the reassurance of being able to stay in touch, but not the distractions, pressure, and risks of a fully connected smartphone.
In our latest blog, weâve shared 7 things you should consider when choosing a first phone for your child.
đ Read the full blog via the link in bio.
#SmartphoneFreeChildhood #KidFriendlyPhones #SmartphoneAlternatives #Dumbphones #Featurephones #Brickphones #techforgood #digitalparenting #startphone
This year, we are partnering with UNICEF Norway to connect children's movement into meaningful impact.
Through Xploraâs activity platform, children earn digital coins when they stay active - coins that can be donated directly to UNICEF.
These contributions help provide care packages for refugee children, filled with small items that can bring warmth, comfort and an opportunity to play amid uncertain and difficult times.
đ Read more via the link in our bio!
𸠊 UNICEF/UNI885858/Karimi
Delighted to be trialling a brand new internet-free phone with my middle son.
Calls, messages, touchscreen and GPS tracking⌠but nothing else.
Itâs been a big success in Norway and has only just arrived in the UK.
Lots of companies claim theyâve built the perfect child-friendly phone, but Iâve never been fully convinced the right option exists yet.
Could Xplora be the one?
Weâre putting it to the test and Iâll be sharing my honest thoughts soon.
(Not sponsored or funded in any way.)
#LetsKidsBeKids
#SmartphoneFreeChildhood
#KidFriendlyPhones
#DigitalWellbeing
#OneCollectivePower
