Parents want safer phones for kids. Here are top options
As parental concerns over unrestricted internet access grow, a rising number of tech companies are developing kid-friendly communication devices.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Parents are increasingly concerned about unrestricted smartphone access for children.
- Tech companies are launching specialized kid-friendly phones and communication devices.
- These devices restrict web browsers and social media while offering parental controls.
- The market spans from modified touchscreens to screen-free home phones and smartwatches.
As parents become increasingly worried about the potential dangers of unrestricted smartphone access for children, a growing number of companies are developing communication devices specifically tailored for kids to address safety and age-appropriate usage.
Today's kid-friendly phones typically feature touchscreens, cameras, and communication tools similar to regular smartphones, but their software is heavily modified to remove web browsers, social media, and app stores. Parents can manage these devices through companion apps to approve contacts, monitor locations, set screen-time limits, and receive alerts regarding online risks.
Beyond modified smartphones, some companies take a minimalist approach focusing solely on calls and texts, alongside home phones designed specifically for children like Tin Can and Pinwheel Home to minimize online exposure.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Here is a closer look at the major players shaping the kid-phone market today:
- The Bark Phone: Built on Samsung Galaxy hardware for $240 with plans from $29/month, featuring continuous monitoring for cyberbullying and gradual feature unlocking.
- Gabb: Focuses on eliminating online risks without social media or browsers, starting at $159.99 for the phone and $24.99/month for service.
- Pinwheel: Allows parents to approve apps and schedule custom usage modes, starting at $119 with portal subscriptions from $14.99/month.
- Teracube (Thrive): Uses Thrive OS for $99 with plans from $35/month, recommended for older children needing controlled smartphone features.
- Ooma MyPhone: A modern home phone replacement costing $99.99 with service starting at $7.99/month, allowing calls only to trusted contacts.
- Tin Can: A Wi-Fi connected landline resembling a tin can priced at $100, offering a free plan for peer calls.
- Waffle: Offers screen-free devices including Waffle Home ($119) and Waffle Go ($169) with basic voice call functions.
- Yello!: A new kid-focused mobile phone from TextNow featuring a normal touchscreen look without app stores or social media.
The expansion of the kid-friendly device market highlights a significant shift in the tech industry, addressing the clear gap between complex adult smartphones and basic parental safety needs. This trend toward controlled digital environments could establish a new standard for children's first tech devices.
Source: TechCrunch
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