Teens on TikTok Are Bringing Back Flip Phones

Is 2024 the “flip phone summer”? All signs point to yes. The go-to phone of the past has returned for a new generation of users who are eschewing their highly advanced smartphones in favor of a “dumb phone”—a.k.a. one with zero or very little access to the internet and social media.

Here’s why experts say teens are trying to reduce their screen time and get their hands on a flip phone—and why parents are loving the summer trend. Hint: It’s because flip phones are some of the best phones for kids.

Why Teens Are Using Flip Phones

Increasingly, Generation Z and Generation Alpha are turning to retro flip phones in place of their iPhones and Androids to feel more present in the moment without texting or social media. For those who have had a flip phone, this might seem preposterous, since most flip phones don’t provide access to the internet, music, or high resolution video and images.

However, when trading their smartphone for a dumb phone, most teens feel encouraged to explore the world outside of a screen. Especially in the summer when there’s more free time to hang out, go on adventures, and enjoy the weather. A recent study even found that the majority of teens feel happier when they don’t have their phones.

“It seems that some teenagers (and their parents) are recognizing that interacting with others on their smartphones simply cannot replace real life interactions,” explains Patrice Le Goy, PhD, psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). “There are many social-emotional skills that this age group can only learn via in-person connections with their peers.”

Dr. Le Goy also cites increased feelings of alienation and loneliness among teenagers as a reason behind the rising demand in flip phones. Teen isolation is emphasized by social media and the convenience of connecting without actually meeting in person. Teens can easily like a friend’s Instagram post or watch their TikTok, but that’s not the same as experiencing it with them. “I think that some teenagers are realizing that they feel more lonely with the more time spent on their phones or that they feel a little lost and unsure of who they are and what they want because of the pervasive influence of other people on social media.”

Why Parents Are Loving the Dumb Phone Trend

Most modern teens don’t know how to unplug, given that they’ve grown up with social media and streaming at their fingertips. But with a flip phone, today’s teens can call and text their friends and parents, while reducing screen time during summer break. Additionally, a flip phone is a more durable and affordable option, with a better battery life than a smartphone.

If you’re looking to see if your teen would make the switch, Dr. Le Goy recommends to start with a conversation. “Parents and teens should have open discussions about the pros and cons of a flip phone, particularly for teens who have already had a smartphone and are choosing to unplug.”

If your child doesn’t have a phone at all, she recommends having a family discussion about why you’d prefer they start with a flip phone versus a smartphone, and potentially getting your child’s school and friend communities involved. “You really want them to be confident in this decision you have made as a family before they are experiencing pressure from others to have a smartphone.” 

From a parent perspective, opting for a flip phone for the summer and beyond is about more than just living in the moment—it’s another way to help protect kids from the negative effects of social media. Jennifer Kelman, LCSW, mental health expert for JustAnswer, and mom of 14-year-old twins, chose a Pinwheel phone for her kids. A Pinwheel phone is a type of parental control phone that is a fusion of a smartphone and flip phone and can grow with a child.

“Social media and excessive phone use may all lead to a drop in self-esteem among kids. I prefer that my kids know how to interact with others face-to-face and carry on conversations without their faces buried in their phones,” she explains. “I do not want their esteem to be looked for in a device by the amount of likes they may or may not get for a post.” 

Of course, the link between social media and kids’ self-esteem and mental health is well-established, and reducing phone time is one way to help them develop confidence outside of Instagram and TikTok. “I try as best I can to have them gain self-esteem through other activities such as sports and connections with others, rather than from fake connections online,” Kelman says. 

Pros and Cons of Flip Phones

There are plenty of pros and cons to swapping a smartphone for a flip phone, not just in the summer, but all year long. While flip phones are a great alternative to the distraction a smartphone can bring, they do fall short in some aspects.

Pros

Many teens want the option to “reset” their brains and scrolling thumbs without constant connection and entertainment every second of the day. Getting a flip phone with limited access to your favorite apps is a helpful way to break a reliance on those platforms and focus your energy elsewhere. Here are some additional benefits to flip phones:

• It’s affordable. Flip phones tend to be way cheaper than its more advanced counterparts.
• It’s customizable. Technically smartphones are too, but who’s going to bedazzle an iPhone?
• It’s functional. With a flip phone your teen can still call and text you and their friends, but they can’t access more advanced tools like social media.
• It’s durable. If your teen breaks every phone they’ve had—this might be a good option.
• It can help to reduce online fatigue. Flip phones are a bare bones way to communicate without all the internet-loaded apps, reducing online and blue light fatigue.

Cons

Some teens depend on online communities and resources to explore their hobbies and connect with others. If your teen really struggles to make friends and uses the internet to responsibly socialize with others, trading their smartphone could subject them to a lot of loneliness. Here are some additional things to consider before swapping:

• It’s difficult to charge in public. Most smartphone brands share the same charging cords. If your teen swaps, they might have to be more vigilant about bringing their charger since it’s unlikely someone else will have the right one.
• It’s harder to instantly research. Your teen won’t be able to access the internet on a dumb phone, so it might making finding information a bit harder.
• It could make socializing more challenging. If your teen plays a lot of video games, or uses the internet to connect with their friends on chat rooms, then replacing their smartphone could disconnect them from certain experiences with their friends.
• It can be isolating. If your teen doesn’t have the tools to socialize already, replacing their smartphone with a dumb phone could further their isolation.