Introduction: My revelation about cell phones without internet
Six months ago, I was like many parents: convinced that a "real" phone for my 13-year-old son absolutely had to have internet. After all, how could he survive without WhatsApp, without being able to Google his homework or watch YouTube videos?
Then I experienced what I now call the "math test incident." Thomas had spent the entire evening on his smartphone, supposedly "revising." The next day, disaster: 6/20. After a little digging, I discovered that he had actually spent 4 hours on TikTok and Instagram. His justification? "But Mom, I had my math lesson open in a tab!"
That's when I first became interested in cell phones without internet. And honestly? It revolutionized our family's daily life.
According to the 2025 Digital Barometer of According to ARCEP, 98% of 12- to 17-year-olds in France own a mobile phone , the vast majority of which are smartphones with internet access. But is that really what they need? Spoiler alert: not necessarily.
Summary:
- What exactly is a phone without internet?
- The different types of phones without internet
- Why choose a phone without internet for your child?
- The unexpected benefits for your child's development
- Testimonies from families who chose a phone without internet
- How to choose the right phone without internet?
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Practical guide: successfully transitioning to a phone without internet
- Conclusion: Finding digital balance in the family
What exactly is a cell phone without internet?
Definition and essential features
A cell phone without internet is exactly what its name suggests: a mobile phone that allows you to call, send text messages and sometimes MMS, but which does not have access to the web.
Your child can:
- Call you in case of emergency or need
- Receive and send text messages
- Taking pictures (depending on the model)
- Use basic functions like alarm, calculator
- Be geolocated in case of emergency
What it CANNOT do:
- Surfing the internet
- Download apps
- Access social networks
- Watch streaming videos
- Play online games
The different types of phones without internet
Traditional basic phones:
Often called "feature phones," they resemble cell phones from 15 years ago. Functional but not very attractive to young people.
Modern Minimalist Phones:
Like ThePhone, they combine contemporary design with essential features.
Rugged Phones:
Designed to withstand impact, perfect for active or clumsy children.
Why choose a phone without internet for your child?
Dramatic improvement in concentration
Scientific studies show that the mere presence of a smartphone, even when turned off, reduces cognitive abilities and concentration. A study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research demonstrated that the presence of a smartphone significantly reduces working memory and fluid intelligence, even when it is not in use.
Participants whose phones were in another room performed better on concentration tests than those who had their phones nearby or in sight.
“ The mere presence of our smartphone can occupy our cognitive capacities, leaving us with fewer resources available for other tasks. The more visible the smartphone is, the more the available cognitive capacity decreases. ”
Protection against cyberbullying
Cyberbullying affects a significant proportion of young people. According to a study by the e-Enfance association, 24% of families have already been affected by cyberbullying at least once, and 86% of 8- to 18-year-olds are registered on social media. Social media is the main vector of this phenomenon. By limiting internet access, a phone without internet drastically reduces this risk.
Learn more: https://e-enfance.org/etude-association-e-enfance-3018-caisse-depargne-sur-le-cyberharcelement-des-8-18-ans/
The return of restorative sleep
Nighttime smartphone use is a major factor in sleep disorders among adolescents. A study by the Île-de-France Regional Health Agency (ORS) reveals that more than one in two adolescents suffers from at least one sleep disorder, and that screen use in the middle of the night, even for a brief period, doubles the risk of sleep disorders. From 30 minutes of nighttime use, the risks of deprivation or insomnia are multiplied by two, and beyond two hours, certain disorders are multiplied by up to ten.
“ More than two hours of screen time in the evening disrupts daytime functioning with increased irritation, fatigue, gloom, and sleepiness in class. ”
https://www.ors-idf.org/nos-travaux/publications/effets-des-ecrans-sur-le-sommeil-des-adolescents/
Family economy preserved
A plan with unlimited internet for teenagers costs between 20 and 50 euros per month. A phone without internet works with basic plans starting at 2 euros per month. The annual savings can reach several hundred euros per child.
Unsuspected benefits for child development
The development of real autonomy
Without the internet, children learn to navigate, ask for directions, and anticipate. They develop essential autonomy skills.
Creativity rediscovered
A study from the University of Central Lancashire showed that boredom boosts creativity: participants who performed a boring task produced more creative solutions afterward than those who hadn't experienced boredom. The absence of digital distractions therefore encourages the emergence of new ideas and creative activities.
https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2013/01/14/ennui-salutaire_1816711_3234.html
Improving social relations
Limiting internet access encourages face-to-face interactions and develops better social skills in adolescents. Young people who limit their digital use are more present and engaged in interactions with family and friends.
Testimonies from families who chose a telephone without internet
Dubois Family: " We wouldn't go back for anything in the world "
" Our 14-year-old twins, Chloé and Antoine, lost their phones to internet a year ago. At first, they complained. Now? They thank us! Chloé has rediscovered her passion for reading, Antoine has taken up the guitar. Their grades have improved, they sleep better, and above all, they are more present with their family. " - Catherine Dubois, mother
Testimony of a teenager: Lucas, 15 years old
" My parents gave me a phone without internet for my 14th birthday. I was disgusted at first. But now, I see my friends always stressed by their notifications, their Instagram stories... I'm more relaxed. And then, when we see each other, we really talk instead of looking at our phones. "
Testimony of a blended family: Stéphane and Laure, parents of 4 children
" In our blended family, screen management had become a real battleground. With four children aged 9 to 16 split between two households, we had different rules, which created tension and jealousy. Eight months ago, we decided to equip all the children with phones without internet.
The most surprising change? They communicate more with each other! Before, everyone was isolated in their own digital bubble, even when they were in the same room. Now, they play board games together, chat, and even put on a little show for their grandmother's birthday.
Our eldest son, Théo (16), was the most reluctant at first. After three difficult weeks, he admitted to us that he felt 'lighter'. He explained that he felt constant pressure to be available and respond to his friends' posts. Without this pressure, he resumed playing basketball, which he had abandoned, and sleeps much better.
The best part? The transitions between our two homes are much smoother. No more arguments over who gets more screen time or who can keep their phone on later at night.
Testimony of Sandrine, mother of Axel (14 years old)
" I'm not going to lie to you, the first two weeks were hell. Axel had a massive meltdown when we gave him his phone without internet for his birthday. He called us 'prehistoric' parents and refused to use it for three days.
What broke the deadlock was when his best friend, Nolan, came over. Nolan had the same model for six months, and he showed Axel how he'd customized it with stickers and a case he'd chosen. That defused the situation a bit.
Honestly, Axel still uses the family computer to go on YouTube and play Fortnite on the weekends. We didn't become a disconnected family overnight. But the difference is that he's not constantly on his phone anymore. Before, he could spend 5 hours straight on TikTok without realizing it.
The most visible change? He's started playing soccer in the garden with his little brother again. And he's sleeping better, it's obvious. Before, I'd often find him asleep with his phone still on next to him at 1 a.m.
His father and I are divorced, and at first, his father didn't agree with this decision. He thought it was too strict. But when he saw that Axel was more present during his weekends at home, less irritable, he ended up supporting us.
Is it perfect? No. Axel still regularly asks us when he'll be able to get a 'real' phone. But for now, we're holding on, and the benefits are well worth the occasional argument.
How to choose the right phone without internet?
The essential criteria to consider
- Battery life: Choose a model with at least 3-4 days of battery life. Nothing is more frustrating than a phone that dies in the middle of the day.
- Durability: Children and teenagers aren't always careful with their belongings. A shock- and water-resistant phone is a plus.
- Design: Important for your child's acceptance. A phone that's too "outdated" risks ending up at the bottom of a drawer.
- Ease of use: The interface should be intuitive, even for grandparents who might need to help.
- Call quality: Basic but essential feature. Check audio quality and network coverage.
Practical guide: successfully transitioning to a phone without internet
Step 1: Prepare the ground
Don't present the phone without internet as a punishment, but as a positive choice. Explain the benefits: better concentration, better sleep, more time for the activities he enjoys.
Step 2: Involve your child in the choice
Show him different models and let him choose the color or design. If he feels like he's involved in the decision, acceptance will be easier.
Step 3: Define the rules of use together
Establish clear guidelines for when and how to use the phone. For example, "You can call me after school to let me know everything is okay," or "Text Grandma when you get to her house."
Step 4: Allow for an adjustment period
The first few days can be difficult. Your child may grumble and complain. This is normal! Stick with it; the benefits will quickly appear.
Step 5: Recognize progress
Praise your child when you see improvements: better grades, better sleep, more creativity. This will increase their motivation.
Conclusion: Finding digital balance in the family
Choosing a phone without internet for your child isn't a step backward, but a step toward a more balanced future. The benefits we've explored—improved concentration, protection from cyberbullying, quality sleep, financial savings, and the development of independence and creativity—are realities experienced by thousands of families.
As the testimonials have shown, the transition isn't always easy. There will be resistance and moments of doubt. Your child may feel different at first. But the benefits far outweigh these initial drawbacks: children who are more present, more fulfilled, and more balanced.
Choosing a phone without internet takes courage. It goes against the grain of a society that values constant connectivity. But isn't that what parenting is all about? Making difficult decisions today for the well-being of our children tomorrow.
Remember, this isn't an all-or-nothing approach. Many families find a balance by allowing limited internet access on the family computer, while keeping the cell phone as a simple communication tool. The goal isn't to demonize technology, but to teach our children that it should remain a tool and not become an end in itself.
If this idea resonates with you, start by discussing it openly with your child. Consider a three-month trial period—long enough to see real changes, but short enough to reassure your child. And above all, be consistent in your own digital use. Children learn more by example than by lectures.
Ten years from now, your child probably won't remember the apps they didn't download. But they will remember the dinner table conversations, the games they shared, the books they devoured, and the friendships they made on the playground rather than behind a screen.
Ultimately, giving your child a phone without internet is giving them a gift far more valuable than any newfangled smartphone: the gift of time, attention, and mental space to fully become their authentic selves.
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