Smartphones may dominate modern communication, but an old-fashioned household staple is starting to make a comeback: the landline telephone. Parents are rediscovering the benefits of having a home phone as they look for ways to help children develop independence, stay connected, and avoid the pressures of smartphones and social media.
More parents are also reconsidering landline phones as an alternative to giving their children smartphones. With concerns about screen time, social media exposure, and online safety, families are looking for ways to let kids communicate without giving them unrestricted access to the internet.
A household landline offers a simpler way for children to call friends and relatives without needing to borrow a parent’s cellphone. Because the phone typically stays in a shared area of the home, parents can also maintain some oversight of their children’s conversations.
Some families are even viewing landlines as a stepping stone toward smartphone ownership. Children can learn to communicate independently while parents delay introducing the apps, social media, and other distractions that come with personal devices.
How Many People Still Use Landline Phones?
Despite their declining popularity, landlines haven’t disappeared. According to NumberBarn’s 2026 analysis, approximately 55 million Americans still live in households with a landline, while 78% of U.S. adults rely exclusively on wireless phones.
Landlines remain particularly popular in the Northeast, where 33% of adults report having one at home. New York leads the country, with 39.1% of adults living in households with a landline, followed by Massachusetts at 38.1%.
Interestingly, nostalgia may also be contributing to renewed interest. NumberBarn’s survey of 1,006 U.S. adults found that 27% miss having a landline at home, while 68% still believe these phones are useful.
What Are the Benefits of Landlines for Kids?
One major benefit is that landlines encourage children to develop communication skills. Kids learn how to answer calls, dial numbers, leave messages, and carry on conversations without relying on texting or messaging apps.
Landlines can also give children more independence. As one parent writes, “Why should I have to do it for them?” when describing allowing her son to call friends and arrange playdates himself.
Additionally, having a home phone gives children a way to contact parents or emergency services when necessary. It can also encourage meaningful conversations with grandparents and relatives, offering kids a chance to build relationships through direct interaction.
