Could landlines make a comeback as parents push back on screen time?
A growing number of families are turning to landline phones and screenless devices as an alternative to giving children smartphones.
By Greg Chrystall
Millie Giles at Sherwood News reports on a trend we've been watching closely: families choosing landline phones over smartphones for their children.
The numbers tell a clear story. By the end of 2024, nearly 79% of U.S. households were wireless-only, and just 0.9% relied solely on landlines. The traditional copper network is disappearing fast, with AT&T announcing plans to shut down legacy copper service, citing $6 billion in annual costs. The landline as we knew it is essentially gone.
But the need it filled hasn't gone anywhere. With 57% of U.S. children owning smartphones by age 12, and nearly 40% of children under 2 already interacting with devices, parents are increasingly looking for alternatives. Some are installing old-fashioned landlines. Others are turning to new companies building Wi-Fi-compatible, screenless phones designed specifically for children.
This is exactly why we built Barnluren. The old landline infrastructure is going away, but the desire for a simple, screen-free way for children to stay connected with friends and family is only growing. We believe voice-only communication is an important part of a childs development - the ability to build and maintain relationships without a screen in the way.