Landlines are making a comeback―and teaching kids real-life communication

Picture this: a 10-year-old racing across the living room to answer a ringing phone, twirling the cord around her finger while chatting with a friend. For today’s kids, that moment is both novel and nostalgic—a scene pulled straight from the childhoods of many millennial parents.

But increasingly, families are making it real again.

Related: This teacher is begging parents to reduce screen time: ‘Technology is killing our education’

What’s happening: The landline revival

In a world where nearly 80% of households are cell-phone-only, some parents are quietly installing landlines (or signing up for modern services like “10 Can,” a kid-safe landline alternative) to give their children independence without diving headfirst into smartphone culture.

And it’s catching on. Parents are sharing stories of kids leaping off couches to grab the phone, practicing how to politely ask, “Hi, is Emma there?” and rediscovering the simple joy of a phone call. After all, was there ever a greater rush than hearing your older brother yell, “It’s for you!” after answering the phone?

Related: TikTok’s ‘Mom Friend’ shares how to talk about technology with kids

Why it matters for families

As much as this new trend is checking all the right nostalgia buttons, it’s really about slowing down tech at an age when children are most tender. Parents who aren’t ready for their kids to have a smartphone are finding landlines offer surprising benefits:

• Intentional conversations. With no apps, selfies, or notifications, kids practice active listening.
• Manners and responsibility. They learn how to answer respectfully, leave messages, and take turns talking.
• Safe independence. Parents can delay handing over smartphones without leaving kids disconnected from friends.

For parents who want kids to connect socially but don’t want the risks of early smartphones, a landline can be a healthy middle ground.

Related: Why I’m Raising My Baby with Technology

Ways to give kids independence without handing over a smartphone

If you’re not ready for your child to join the smartphone crowd, here are some independence-fostering alternatives:

• Start with a family landline. Give kids access to communication without the internet.
• Coach phone etiquette. Teach them how to answer politely, introduce themselves, and respect turn-taking.
• Use a restricted device. Consider flip phones or services that offer calls without apps.
• Phase in digital features slowly. Add text messaging or supervised social features only when your child shows readiness.

Related: Phones are out of class—now what? a mom’s guide to school phone bans

The bigger shift: A “slow tech” childhood

Parents are increasingly drawn to the idea of delaying full-on digital immersion. Just as families embrace “slow food” or “slow fashion,” some are leaning into “slow tech parenting,” making intentional choices that preserve childhood while still offering age-appropriate independence.

And sometimes, all it takes is the ring of an old-school house phone to remind us: Not every connection needs a screen.

Related: Smartphones before age 13 linked to higher risk of suicidal thoughts, aggression, and low self-worth