Parents want safer phones for kids. These companies are answering the call.
As parents look for alternatives to unrestricted smartphones, a growing number of companies are building phones designed specifically for kids, from feature-limited mobile devices to minimalist home phones.
Parents are increasingly concerned about the potential dangers of unrestricted smartphone access for children, prompting companies to develop kid-specific phones that are safer and more controlled. These devices typically feature touchscreens, cameras, and communication capabilities similar to regular smartphones but are heavily modified to remove or restrict access to web browsers, social media, app stores, and other distractions.
Parents can manage these devices through companion apps, allowing them to approve contacts, monitor locations, set screen time limits, select available apps, and receive alerts regarding cyberbullying, explicit content, or online predators. Some companies, such as Bark Phone, offer devices built on Samsung Galaxy hardware powered by Bark's monitoring software, which allows gradual unlocking of features as children mature.
In contrast, companies like Gabb focus on eliminating online risks altogether by not including social media, a browser, or an app store, providing calling, texting, and a curated selection of preloaded apps. Pinwheel takes a more customizable approach, allowing parents to approve every app, control contacts, schedule screen time, create custom routines, and monitor location history with different "modes" throughout the day.
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