How to Create a Modern 'Landline' to Reduce Your Kids' Screen Time

In an effort to manage children's screen time, many parents are establishing "devices off" rules in the evening. This creates a new challenge: how can kids make an important or urgent call without getting sucked back into the world of a smartphone? One parent's solution was to re-introduce a household "landline," leading to a practical exploration of modern, low-cost ways to achieve this without a traditional phone company.

The core issue is not just about limiting access to games and social media, but also about providing a secure and non-addictive communication channel. This is especially critical in situations like co-parenting, where a child might need the psychological safety of knowing they can easily call their other parent at any time.

The Most Popular Solution: VoIP with an Analog Adapter

The most favored approach involves using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. This method is both inexpensive and highly flexible. Here's how it works:

Sign up for a VoIP Provider: Instead of using a traditional phone company, you use an internet-based one. Services like voip.ms were highly recommended for their low monthly cost (under $1) and per-minute rates, making them ideal for a low-usage home phone.
Get an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA): This is a small box that bridges the gap between the internet and a traditional analog phone. You plug your internet cable into the ATA, and then you plug any standard corded or cordless phone into the ATA. The Grandstream HT801 is a popular modern option, while older Cisco/Linksys ATA devices can be found on eBay for very cheap.
Plug in a Phone: Connect any old analog phone, perhaps one from a thrift store, and you have a fully functional landline that makes calls over your internet connection.

This DIY setup offers a reliable, distraction-free phone line for pennies a day.

Alternative Methods

If you prefer not to rely on your home internet or want a simpler setup, several other solutions were suggested:

LTE Phone Adapters: These devices, also known as Fixed Wireless Terminals, operate like a mini cell tower for your house. You insert a SIM card from a low-cost mobile provider, and then plug an analog phone into it. This makes your "landline" run on the cellular network, independent of your home internet.
Bluetooth Adapters: A device like cell2jack uses Bluetooth to connect a standard analog phone system to a single, dedicated smartphone. All the analog handsets in the house effectively become Bluetooth headsets for the mobile phone. This is a simple way to repurpose old hardware.
ISP Phone Service: Most internet service providers (ISPs) offer a bundled VoIP phone line. While this is often the least technically demanding option, it can be more expensive than a DIY VoIP setup.
Dumb Phones: For a portable solution, a basic, non-smart "dumb phone" can serve the same purpose, allowing for calls and texts without the addictive apps and endless scrolling.

Ultimately, creating a dedicated, simple phone line for kids is a practical strategy that addresses the need for connection while supporting healthier digital habits. Whether through a simple VoIP setup or a cellular-based adapter, these modern solutions provide an effective tool for parents.