Parents Get a New Kid‑Friendly Phone That Lets Them Keep an Eye on Screen Time
AT&T has introduced the amiGO Jr. Phone, a device aimed at children that places the power of digital oversight in parents’ hands. Launched on Friday alongside a matching smartwatch, the phone is designed to help families manage how kids use smartphones safely.
Key Features
- Parental App Controls
After purchase, parents can install an app to set a range of safety options: - Location Tracking
- Contact Limits – only thirty pre‑approved numbers
- Safe Zones – geo‑fenced areas for added protection
- Device Settings – fine‑tuned controls per device
- School‑Hour Schedules
The app offers schedules that block distractions during school hours, ensuring focus on academics. - Extension to Tablet
These features also apply to AT&T’s 2024 tablet, the amiGO Jr.
Hardware Collaboration
AT&T partnered with Samsung to build the hardware. The phone is priced at approximately $210.
Context: Managing Screen Time
The launch reflects a broader trend of parents seeking ways to mitigate the negative impacts of screen time on children’s mental health. Recent studies link excessive non‑school screen use with:
- Sleep problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Reduced social support
Legal challenges against platforms like TikTok and Meta have spotlighted concerns about addictive algorithms targeting young users.
Alternatives in the Market
- Kid‑Friendly Phones that block social media
- Basic Landlines or “Dumb” Phones lacking advanced apps
- A growing movement encouraging young people to step back from smart devices for healthier, real‑life connections
A Gen Z woman shared in a 2025 interview that her early life has been dominated by screens, calling it addictive and dangerous. She urges society to remain cautious about the long‑term effects of constant digital exposure.
