AT&T has partnered with Samsung to release the AmiGo Jr. Phone, a smartphone designed specifically for children and equipped with comprehensive parental controls. The device addresses the growing debate among parents regarding smartphone access for young children, balancing connectivity with concerns about excessive screen time and online safety.
Device Specifications and Features
The AmiGo Jr. is based on the Samsung Galaxy A16, featuring a 6.7-inch display, 128GB of storage, and a 5,000 mAh battery. It includes a triple-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main lens, alongside ultra-wide and macro cameras. The phone is currently available exclusively in black.
The key differentiator is the pre-installed AmiGo app, which allows parents to manage their child’s device remotely through a companion app on iOS or Android. This includes controlling app access, setting screen time limits, and enabling location-based alerts via “Safe Zones”. The system also includes a “School Mode” designed to minimize distractions during school hours.
Pricing and Availability
The AmiGo Jr. is available now through AT&T online, in stores, and via the MyAT&T app. It’s offered at $3 per month with a 36-month contract, but requires an additional unlimited data line on the parent’s existing AT&T plan, starting at $61 per month, plus a $35 activation fee.
Market Trends and Parental Concerns
This launch taps into a significant market demand. AT&T states that 40% of its customer base consists of parents, and their research indicates that 60% of parents with children under 12 view smartphones as essential for safety. The move also reflects a broader trend toward more robust parental control systems as smartphone use among children increases.
However, recent studies suggest delaying smartphone access until at least age 13, raising questions about the long-term effects of early exposure. The AmiGo Jr. aims to address these concerns by providing a controlled environment while still allowing for essential connectivity.
Beyond the Phone: The AmiGo Ecosystem
AT&T is also offering the AmiGo Jr. Watch 2, a more rugged smartwatch integrated with the same AmiGo platform, providing additional tracking and communication options. This expands the company’s reach into the growing market for kid-focused wearable technology.
AT&T’s release of the AmiGo Jr. underscores a clear shift towards catering to parental anxieties around tech access while capitalizing on the demand for connected safety solutions. The launch suggests that controlled smartphone use for children is no longer a niche trend, but a mainstream expectation.
