As parents become increasingly concerned about the potential dangers of unrestricted access to smartphones for children, a growing number of companies are developing devices designed specifically for children.
Today’s kid-friendly phones typically feature touchscreens, cameras, and communication capabilities similar to those of regular smartphones. However, the software on these devices is heavily modified to remove or restrict access to web browsers, social networks, app stores, and other distractions.
Parents can typically 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 about cyberbullying, explicit content, or online predators.
In addition to these modified devices, some companies offer a more minimalist approach, creating devices focused solely on calls and texts.
There are also home phones designed specifically for children, like Tin Can and the recently launched Pinwheel Home.
The Bark Telephone
Image credits:Bark
The Bark Phone is probably one of the most popular children’s 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 issues, then sends alerts to parents.
One notable feature is that parents can gradually unblock web browsing, apps, and other features as their child grows. The phone also includes GPS tracking and screen time management.
Current pricing for the standard model is $240, plus a required wireless plan starting at $29/month. Higher-tier plans add unlimited Internet and texting.
Gabb
Image credits:Prank
Gabb is a well-known name in the kid-friendly phone category. However, unlike Bark, Gabb focuses less on content monitoring and more on eliminating online risks altogether.
Its phones don’t include social media, a browser, or an app store. Instead, kids get calls, texts, and a carefully curated selection of preloaded apps, including a camera, calendar, and calculator. The company also touts its “hassle-free” music streaming library with millions of songs.
Additionally, parents can view location and manage some device settings, while optional services like “Gabb Guard” help block unwanted calls and unwanted text messages.
Current pricing for the phone starts at around $159.99, and cell service starts at around $24.99 per month.
Pinwheel
Image credits:Reel
With Pinwheel, parents approve each app, control contacts, schedule screen time, create personalized routines, and monitor location history.
A standout feature is the ability to create different “modes” throughout the day. For example, limiting the phone to calls and browsing during class time before unlocking additional features after homework.
Pinwheel phones start at around $119, while the Caregiver Portal subscription starts at $14.99 per month without cell service. (Cellular service may be purchased separately from participating carriers.)
The company recently launched two landlines for $68 and $79. It also offers a smartwatch for $160.
Teracube Thrive
Image credits:Teracubus
Launching in 2022, Teracube offers a bespoke version of Android known as Thrive OS. This allows parents to approve each app download, filter web browsing, set app-specific and global screen time limits, monitor location, and create personalized school or bedtime routines. However, because it has more traditional smartphone features, it is often recommended for older children.
Thrive currently sells for $99, with plans starting at $35 per month.
Ooma MyPhone
Image credits:Omah
Unlike the other products in this roundup, Ooma MyPhone is not a mobile phone at all. This children’s home phone is designed as a modern replacement for the traditional home landline.
The service allows calls only between approved contacts through its Trusted Circle feature, offers scheduled quiet times, provides address-based 911 service, sends emergency alerts when 911 is dialed, and allows parents to view call logs through an online portal. There are no apps, internet browsing, texting or social media.
The phone costs $99.99, while the service starts at $7.99 per month.
Tin Can
Image credits:tin can
For $100, Tin Can looks like a landline phone with a distinctive tin can-shaped design, which is the inspiration behind its name.
This device does not require a traditional phone jack, but connects via Wi-Fi. Only approved contacts can make calls, effectively preventing spam or unauthorized communications. Parents can easily manage their contacts through a user-friendly companion app.
Tin Can offers a free plan for calling other Tin Can users, as well as a $9.99 per month plan that allows calling all approved contacts.
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