In a creative pushback against children’s early smartphone use, some families in Maine are turning back the clock—and it’s sparking a small movement. Rather than handing their kids cellphones, a mother in South Portland introduced a traditional landline for her daughters, triggering a ripple effect: soon, about 20 local families formed what’s being called a “landline pod.” Now kids call—not text—with no screens, no apps, no distractions.

Children are embracing it. One girl said she thought it was a toy at first. Her mom explained it was a “real deal” phone—something you actually put to your ear to talk. No buzzes, no pop-ups, just conversation.

The move isn’t nostalgia—they see deeper value. It builds listening skills, patience, and conversational habits. It also gives kids a way to call safely (for playdates or coordination) without the risk of social media, gaming, or digital exposure. The landline is placed in a shared space so parents can also stay aware of use.

Maine parents are now offering this idea as a template—“landlinekids.org” helps other families replicate their setup. In an age of screens, sometimes the simplest tools deliver powerful gains in connection, balance, and childhood voice.