The phone that is safe for children under 16.
A Startphone is a simple, safe mobile phone designed for children under 16. Unlike a smartphone, it comes with limited features to protect young users from social media and inappropriate content — while still offering essential communication like calls and SMS. It’s a smart choice for parents who want to give their child a safe and confident start.
Our goal is for Startphone to become the recognized definition of a phone that meets a specific safety certification and official standard—one that can be adopted across the EU and recommended for children under 16 who are ready for their first phone.
Designed for Childhood
In alignment with public health recommendations, we’ve defined what a Startphone must — and must not — include. It’s designed to give children exactly what they need, and nothing that could cause harm.
Kid-First Design
Made for children under 16 who need a phone for safety and communication—like walking home from school or chatting with friends
Regular Phone Calls
Can make and receive phone calls
One-to-One Text Messaging
Can send SMS (to one person at a time)
Optional Location Sharing
May include location sharing, if it meets strict privacy and safety standards
Text-Only Screen
Screen shows text and emojis only — no games, no apps, no internet access
Listen to Music
Wireless FM radio and MP3 player
The Basic Principle
The Startphone is based on a clear principle: children should only have access to technology when it has been proven safe. This is the same precautionary approach used in medicine. If a feature hasn’t been shown to be safe for children, it shouldn’t be included. The responsibility for proving safety lies with the companies that build the technology — not with parents, and certainly not with children.
No Social Media
Our position starts with a simple assumption: the research is clear. Social media use is linked to harm in children and teens under 16. While many governments have yet to act, we believe 16 should be the global minimum age for access to social media.
Safe Hardware
That’s why we don’t consider smartphones appropriate for anyone under 16. Even with parental controls in place, most children find ways to access platforms that can affect their well-being. If a device can connect to social media in any form, it simply isn’t safe. The solution isn’t trying to outsmart the brilliant youth with more control settings — it’s redesigning the hardware itself.
“Once you give your kid a smartphone, 80% of the healthy, normal, necessary activities of childhood drop away, and their life revolves around the phone.”
Jonathan Haidt
Professor, Social Psychologist, and Author
Protecting Childhood in a Connected World
Co-create the Startphone with us
Join parents and experts in further developing the phone that truly meets the needs of children under 16.
Available Startphones
While the ultimate Startphone is still taking shape, a few models already meet the standard.
Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition
- No camera
- No internet browsing
- No app installation capability
The Startphone of Tomorrow
- Resembles a smartphone in form and feel, but designed without video or photo display capabilities
- Supports music streaming from services like Spotify Premium and Amazon Music (potentially via Mighty or similar integrations)
- Built to maintain a modern look while staying true to the Startphone principles: no apps, no web browsing, no distractions
Calling on Mobile Manufacturers to Build the Next Generation Startphone
Manufacturers are invited to apply to have their phones evaluated and registered under the Startphone standard, with approved devices featured on this page. The Startphone standard defines a phone that meets the essential needs of children under 16 while prioritizing their safety.
A Startphone is not an entertainment device. It is a communication tool that connects children with family and friends, without access to social media, group chats, or internet browsing. Any additional features must be proven safe and appropriate for young users, with the responsibility of proof resting with the manufacturer.
We also encourage manufacturers to reach out for insights gathered through our co-creation initiative and to explore how their devices can qualify as an approved Startphone. We’re here to support you in this mission.