AT&T launches smartphone for kids that centers parents

AT&T unveiled the amiGO Jr. Phone and amiGO Jr. Watch 2 and says the devices pair with a parent-facing app that includes location tracking, pre-approved contacts, safe zones and schedules to limit distractions.

AT&T introduced the amiGO Jr. Phone alongside an amiGO Jr. Watch 2 as a device option aimed at families. The company presents the products as tools that let parents set controls over how children use smartphones. The phone was developed in collaboration with Samsung and is priced at $209.99, and the app can also apply controls to AT&T's amiGO Jr tablet released in 2024. Public concern about youth screen time and social media harms has been cited in coverage and research as context for the launch. Key details: - AT&T says the amiGO Jr. Phone and amiGO Jr. Watch 2 connect to a parent app that enables features such as location tracking, up to 30 pre-approved contacts, safe zones, and schedules to limit distractions during school hours. - The app can extend the same safety settings to AT&T's existing amiGO Jr tablet. - AT&T collaborated with Samsung on the phone's hardware and lists the phone price at $209.99. Summary: AT&T presents these devices as responses to parental concerns about screen time and online risks for children. Undetermined at this time.