Smartphones vs. Childhood: Why Landlines Are Making a Comeback
January 8, 2026
Remember the thrill of picking up a landline and calling a friend? For many parents today, that nostalgic sound of a dial tone is more than a memory - it’s becoming a movement. With growing concerns about kids and smartphones, families are rediscovering the charm (and safety!) of landlines.
Why Parents Are Concerned
Parents across the service area share the same worry: smartphones give kids access to everything - and that’s not always a good thing.
Mental health matters: Studies show early smartphone use can lead to anxiety, depression, and shorter attention spans.
Unfiltered content: Ads and videos can expose kids to inappropriate material - even on “kid-friendly” platforms.
Addiction risk: Instant dopamine hits from endless scrolling leave little room for creativity or real-world interaction.
As one parent put it, “Giving a child access to social media, and really the whole world, with a smartphone is frightening. I want my kids to be kids for as long as possible.”
This sentiment was echoed over and over again by parents and grandparents alike at BVT.
Angie Armstrong, BVT marketing and community relations director, shared, “We’ve entered an era where we can’t trust the ads that pop up on games or short videos. I was watching a YouTube video targeted to kids with my son, and an ad for a horror film popped up. One tap could have exposed him to even more terrifying content.”
The Landline Trend
So what’s the solution? Enter the landline comeback!
Parents love that landlines:
- Teach kids how to communicate
- Offer a safe way to stay connected
- Work even when cell service doesn’t
Angie explained, “We live in the middle of nowhere where cell service isn’t always guaranteed, so we’ve kept our landline. Now I’m looking for one that’s more child-friendly for my preschooler - with pictures and auto dials.”
And let’s be honest - landlines can be fun! Remember the clear phones from the 90s where you could see the gears? Or the cordless models that made you feel like you’d finally ‘arrived’?
BVT Marketing and Community Relations Specialist, Jada Ackerman, recalled, “I would occasionally sneak the cordless phone from my parents’ room when they weren’t looking, just so I could feel like I had my own phone.”
Giving Childhood Back
Parents agree it’s time to give kids their childhood back. “Kids need to go outside and build friendships the old-fashioned way. And when it’s time to call home? Pick up the landline,” McKenzie Maddox, BVT human resources assistant, shared.
She added, “Kids have the world at their fingertips nowadays, and it’s scary how much content they can access. Smartphones deliver instant dopamine with no effort - no creativity, no social interaction, no challenge. It’s time to give children their childhoods back.”
At BVT, we believe in keeping you connected to what matters most - and that means making sure those connections are safe. As parents and grandparents, ourselves, we understand the importance of protecting our families while staying connected. Because for us, it’s not just about technology - it’s about trust, safety, and community.
Looking for a landline that’s fun, functional, and kid-friendly?
We asked our BVT team to share their favorite picks, and they delivered! From nostalgic clear phones to modern options with easy-to-use features, these choices are perfect for families who want safe, simple connections.
Check out a few of the phones our employees love:
Tin Can - The New-School Landline for Kids (Runs on Internet, not phone lines)
VTech Corded Large Button Phone