In recent years, parents have become increasingly concerned about the potential dangers of unrestricted smartphone access for their children. As a result, a growing number of companies are developing devices specifically designed for kids, aiming to provide a safer and more controlled mobile experience.

Source: techcrunch.com

Modified Devices for Kids

Today’s kid-friendly phones typically feature touchscreens, cameras, and communication capabilities similar to regular smartphones. However, the software on these devices is heavily modified to remove or restrict access to web browsers, social media, app stores, and other distractions. This allows parents to have more control over their child’s mobile experience, ensuring that they only have access to safe and suitable content.

Source: techcrunch.com

Parents can usually manage these devices through a companion app, allowing them to approve contacts, monitor locations, set screen time limits, select available apps, and, in some cases, receive alerts regarding cyberbullying, explicit content, or online predators. This level of control provides peace of mind for parents, knowing that their child is using a device that is designed to keep them safe.

Source: techcrunch.com

Minimalist Approach

Some companies are taking a more minimalist approach to kid-friendly phones, creating devices that focus solely on calling and texting. These devices are designed to provide a simple and safe mobile experience for children, without the added distractions of social media, web browsing, or other online risks.

For example, the Gabb phone is a well-known name in the kid-friendly phone category. Unlike other devices, Gabb focuses less on monitoring content and more on eliminating online risks altogether. Its phones don’t include social media, a browser, or an app store, instead, children get calling, texting, and a carefully curated selection of preloaded apps, including a camera, calendar, and calculator.

Other Kid-Friendly Options

There are also home phones designed specifically for children, like Tin Can and the recently launched Pinwheel Home. These devices provide a safe and controlled mobile experience for kids, without the need for a smartphone. They often feature a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for children to make and receive calls, and for parents to manage their child’s mobile experience.

For instance, the Pinwheel Home is a kid-focused home phone that allows parents to approve every app, control contacts, schedule screen time, create custom routines, and monitor location history. One standout feature is the ability to create different ‘modes’ throughout the day, limiting the phone to calling and navigation during school hours before unlocking additional features after homework.

The Bark Phone

The Bark Phone is probably one of the most popular kid-specific smartphones on the market. Built on Samsung Galaxy hardware and powered by Bark’s monitoring software, it only allows calls and texts with approved contacts. Bark continuously scans texts, emails, photos, and supported apps for signs of cyberbullying, grooming, suicidal ideation, sexual content, and other potential concerns, then sends alerts to parents.

A big standout feature is that parents can gradually unlock web browsing, apps, and other features as their child matures. The phone also includes GPS tracking and screen-time management. Current pricing for the standard model is $240, plus a required wireless plan beginning at $29/month. Higher-tier plans add internet access and unlimited texting.

Teracube Thrive

Launched in 2022, Teracube offers a tailored version of Android known as Thrive OS. This enables parents to approve every app download, filter web browsing, set app-specific and overall screen-time limits, monitor location, and create customized routines for school or bedtime. However, because it has more traditional smartphone features, it’s often recommended for older children.

Thrive currently sells for $99, with plans starting at $35 per month. This device provides a safe and controlled mobile experience for kids, with features that allow parents to manage their child’s online activity and ensure they only have access to suitable content.

Ooma MyPhone

Unlike the other products in this roundup, Ooma MyPhone isn’t a mobile phone at all. This kid-focused home phone is designed as a modern replacement for the traditional household landline. The service allows calls only between approved contacts through its Trusted Circle feature, offers scheduled Quiet Hours, provides address-based 911 service, sends emergency alerts when 911 is dialed, and lets parents review call logs through an online portal.

There are no apps, internet browsing, texting, or social media. The phone costs $99.99, while service starts at $7.99 per month. This device provides a safe and controlled mobile experience for kids, without the need for a smartphone or the added risks of online distractions.