The Right Tech at the Right Time: A Layered & Incremental Approach to Digital Devices for Pre-Teens and Young Teens
- The White Hatter
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Caveat - We are not brand ambassadors for any of the products mentioned in this article, nor do we receive any financial compensation or benefits from recommending them. We have also tested and evaluated each product to ensure that it does what it says it does, and that they are not collecting and selling any private information on what our kids are doing on these devices.
As parents navigating the onlife world, one of the most pressing questions we face is, “When, and what, kind of technology is right for my child?” At The White Hatter, we’ve supported thousands of families through this journey, and one principle has remained clear, it’s not about saying “no” to technology altogether, it’s about paving the way and saying “yes” to the right tech, at the right time, for the right reasons.
We strongly advise against giving pre-teens and younger teens fully functioning fusion phones, smartphones that offer unrestricted access to the internet, app stores, and social media such and an iPhone or fully functioning Android phone. These powerful tools can quickly overwhelm young users who may not yet have the impulse control, emotional maturity, or digital literacy needed to manage such access safely.
Instead, we encourage parents to consider alternatives that provide communication and connection without the risks that come with mobile internet access. For pre-teens, a smart digital watch like the “Garmin Bounce” (1) is a great choice, it offers GPS location features and basic text or voice messaging without opening the door to the entire internet. For younger teens who are showing growing maturity and responsibility, purpose-built minimalist phones like the Pinwheel (2) or the “Wisephone” (3) offer a curated experience, stripping away distractions and dangers while still giving them tools to stay connected with family and friends and develop healthy tech habits. If your financial situation doesn’t allow for the purchase of a minimalist phone and you’re instead providing your child with a hand-me-down device, we recommend pairing it with the “Brick” for iPhones (4), or the “Boomerang” app for Androids (5) to help manage functionality and safety.
If you are considering allowing your pre-teen or younger teen to explore social media, we urge you to do so slowly and intentionally. Social media access should start at home, on a laptop or desktop computer, and always under the supervision and guidance of a parent or caregiver. This means using these platforms in common areas like the kitchen or living room, and never behind closed doors or in bedrooms, where privacy can create an environment that increases risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, online exploitation, or cyberbullying. We would also encourage all family to invest in a home router, the gateway to the internet, that is specifically built for families with pre-teens, younger teens, and older teens. The router we have both tested and used that we recommend is the “Gryphon Router” (6)
At the heart of our recommendation is the belief that digital responsibility is developmental, just like driving, dating, or staying home alone, it needs to be earned, not given freely based on age alone. Matching the right tech to your child’s maturity level not only helps reduce risk but also teaches them how to use technology in healthy and productive ways.
Technology isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the digital challenges that come with it. But by being thoughtful, intentional specific to devices, and proactive, you can empower your child to stay safer and build the skills and confidence they’ll need to thrive in their onlife world, where digital and real life are deeply intertwined.
At The White Hatter, we believe in progress, not panic, and that when it comes to tech, it’s not about banning or delaying everything, but about redirecting and paving the way wisely when it comes to technology. The goal isn’t to shield our kids forever, but to prepare them for a digital future in ways that are intentional, informed, and safe both inside and outside the home.
Remember, technology alone isn’t enough to keep our kids safer online. The most important safeguard is parenting. Tech tools should be seen as support systems, not substitutes, they’re valuable, but only as part of a hands-on, involved parenting approach. (7)
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
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