It was a staple feature in homes in the 1990s – and now the landline is officially back. 

Gen Alpha are going crazy over a $100 (£74) screen–free, wired phone, called the Tin Can. 

With physical buttons, a twirly cord, and an answering machine, the phone looks like it would fit in on an episode of Saved by the Bell. 

However, unlike landlines of the past, this one connects via WiFi, allowing children to make calls over the internet. 

'Our super–magical WiFi landline for kids,' the description on the website reads.

'It doesn't have apps, texting, or games – just real conversation with friends, neighbors, Grandma, or whoever you add to your approved contact list.'

While you might think the lack of features would put children off, the Tin Can has already proved to be a huge hit. 

Since launching in April last year, hundreds of thousands of devices have been sold, according to Bloomberg.

The Tin Can is the brainchild of Chet Kittleson, Max Blumen, and Graeme Davies, three fathers from Seattle who set out to design a phone for their own children.

'We started Tin Can because we couldn't find a phone we actually wanted to give our kids,' they explained.

'Everything out there felt like a compromise – too much tech, too much access, or just another screen to manage. We didn't want that. 

'We just wanted our kids to be able to call their friends. Safely. Independently. And without unlocking the entire internet. So we built something different.'

The Tin Can looks much like a standard landline, with a base stand, a twirly cord, and large, physical buttons. 

However, the colours are clearly aimed at children, with four bright options available – blue/green, purple/white, yellow, and pink/orange. 

The phone plugs into a wall outlet and connects via WiFi, which parents can set up via an accompanying smartphone app. 

There, adults can also set up a list of approved external contacts who their child can contact. 

'Only the contacts you approve in the Tin Can mobile app can get through. No robocalls, no strangers, just voices you know and trust,' Tin Can explained. 

If one of their friends has a Tin Can, children can call them for free, with no subscription required. 

Alternatively, if they want to call regular phone numbers, they can be set up on a $9.99/month plan. 

Within the app, parents can also set up 'Quiet Hours', during which calls in and out will be blocked. 

Tin Can said: 'Don't want the phone ringing off the hook at 10pm? Set Quiet Hours to prevent calls in and out, on your schedule.' 

Many impressed buyers have flocked to social media to express their delight with the retro device. 

Taking to TikTok, @brittchris_ said: 'Our new phone has been the perfect kids phone. They've been calling Nana just to talk 3x a day haha.'

@carlytchristman added: '10/10 recommend the Tin Can for kids with long distance grandparents or family. This will be the only kind of phone my girls get for a long time.'

And one said: 'It's a GAME CHANGER for my kids. They are learning phone etiquette, talk to grandparents, make play dates with friends.'

At the moment, the phone is only available in the US and Canada, and is priced at $100.

The Daily Mail has contacted Tin Can for information on a possible UK launch in the future. 

The news comes shortly after the government said it will introduce a legal ban on smartphones in schools in England.

The amendments to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill were passed on Tuesday night in a House of Lords session that ran into the early hours.

If the smartphone ban becomes law, it will apply across England during school hours – although there may be exemptions for sixth-form students and medical devices.