The Resurgence of Brick Phones: A Solution to Child Smartphone Addiction?
As concerns over children's smartphone use grow, "brick phones" are being considered as a potential solution. However, the industry's response and market availability present challenges to this approach.
In recent years, a growing concern has emerged regarding the impact of smartphones on children's well-being. As a result, parents and educators are increasingly turning their attention to "brick phones" or "feature phones" as a potential solution to combat smartphone addiction among young users.
These devices, reminiscent of the early days of mobile technology, offer basic calling and texting capabilities without internet access or app functionality. The concept harkens back to the 1980s when the term "brick phone" first emerged due to the bulky nature of early mobile devices. Interestingly, the first commercially available mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, was released in 1983, marking the beginning of the mobile revolution.
Despite the growing interest in these simpler devices, the availability and promotion of brick phones in retail stores remain limited. A survey of major network providers and phone retailers revealed a surprising lack of options and visibility for these devices. Many stores either did not stock brick phones or kept them hidden from view, preferring to promote mid-range smartphones instead.
This reluctance to showcase brick phones stands in contrast to recent industry statements. For instance, EE, a major network provider, recently declared that children under 11 should not be given smartphones. However, their retail outlets seem to offer few alternatives to meet this recommendation.
The market for feature phones, while small compared to smartphones, is not insignificant. According to tech analyst Ben Wood of CCS Insight, an estimated 400,000 feature phones will be sold in the UK this year, out of a total of 13 million new phones. This suggests a niche but potentially growing market for these devices.
Parental concerns about smartphone use among children are not unfounded. A report published by the parliamentary Education Committee in May 2024 highlighted alarming statistics:
"There has been a 52% increase in children's screen time between 2020 and 2022; nearly 25% of children and young people use their smartphones in a way that is consistent with a behavioral addiction. Screen use has been found to start as early as six months of age."
These findings underscore the urgency of addressing smartphone addiction in children. Studies have shown that excessive smartphone use can lead to decreased attention span and increased anxiety in young users. Additionally, the World Health Organization recommends no screen time for children under 2 and no more than 1 hour for children aged 2-4.
While brick phones may offer a solution, challenges remain in making them attractive to children accustomed to the features of smartphones. The recently released Barbie-branded brick phone, aimed at the pre-teen market, attempts to address this issue. However, its lack of popular social media apps may limit its appeal.
As the debate continues, some countries have taken more drastic measures. France, for example, has banned smartphones in schools for children under 15. In homes, the concept of "tech-free" zones is gaining popularity among families trying to limit device use.
The future of brick phones as a tool to combat smartphone addiction in children remains uncertain. While there is growing awareness of the issue, a significant cultural shift and broader consensus among parents will be necessary to impact children's relationship with technology meaningfully. As the industry slowly responds to these concerns, it remains to be seen whether brick phones will become a viable alternative or merely a nostalgic curiosity in the age of smart devices.
