As concerns around unregulated smartphone access for children grow, various companies are launching devices tailored specifically for young users.
Modern child-oriented phones generally come equipped with touchscreens, cameras, and communication features similar to standard smartphones. However, the software is significantly altered to limit or eliminate access to web browsers, social media platforms, app stores, and other engaging distractions.
Most devices can be managed by parents through a companion application, enabling them to approve contacts, track locations, set screen time limits, choose accessible apps, and, in some instances, receive alerts concerning cyberbullying, explicit content, or online threats.
Beyond these customized devices, some companies provide a simpler solution, producing gadgets focused solely on calling and texting.
There are also child-friendly home phones available, such as Tin Can and the newly released Pinwheel Home.
Here’s a rundown of key players shaping the market for kid-friendly phones.
The Bark Phone
The Bark Phone is among the most recognized smartphones designed specifically for children.
Utilizing Samsung Galaxy hardware and Bark’s monitoring software, it restricts communication to approved contacts only. Bark consistently monitors texts, emails, images, and compatible apps for indicators of cyberbullying, grooming, self-harm, sexual content, and other potential issues, sending alerts to parents when needed.
A notable feature allows parents to gradually enable web browsing, app access, and other functionalities as their child grows. It also features GPS tracking and screen time management.
The standard model currently retails for $240, alongside a mandatory cellular plan starting at $29/month. More premium plans extend internet access and offer unlimited texting options.
Gabb
Gabb is another strong contender in the kid-friendly phone market. However, it focuses more on completely avoiding online dangers than on monitoring content.
Gabb phones do not support social media, web browsing, or an app store. Instead, they offer calling and texting features along with a select number of pre-installed apps, including a camera, calendar, and calculator. The service also includes a “worry-free” music streaming library with millions of songs.
Parents can monitor location and manage basic settings on the device, with optional services like “Gabb Guard” available to block spam calls and unwanted texts.
Current pricing for Gabb phones starts at $159.99, with wireless service priced around $24.99 per month.
Pinwheel
Pinwheel allows parents to approve apps, manage contacts, control screen time, and monitor location history.
One unique aspect is the ability to create different “modes” for various times of day, such as restricting the phone to calling and navigation during school hours and unlocking more features afterward.
Pinwheel devices start at approximately $119, with a Caregiver Portal subscription beginning at $14.99 per month, which does not include cell service. Cellular service can be acquired separately through select carriers.
Recently, the company launched two landline phones priced at $68 and $79, along with a smartwatch retailing for $160.
Teracube Thrive
Launched in 2022, Teracube presents a customized version of Android called Thrive OS. This enables parents to approve app downloads, filter web content, set specific screen time limits, track location, and customize routines for school or bedtime. Given its more traditional smartphone attributes, it’s often better suited for older kids.
The current price for the Thrive model is $99, with plans starting at $35 per month.
Ooma MyPhone
In contrast to the other devices highlighted, Ooma MyPhone is not a mobile device but a modern take on a household landline aimed at children.
This service allows only calls to approved contacts through its Trusted Circle feature and offers scheduled Quiet Hours, emergency alerts if 911 is dialed, and enables parents to access call logs through an online interface. No apps, internet access, texting, or social media features are available.
The price for Ooma MyPhone starts at $99.99, with service plans available from $7.99 per month.
Tin Can
Tin Can, priced at $100, mimics the appearance of a landline phone with a distinctive tin can aesthetic, from which it gets its name.
This device connects via Wi-Fi instead of a traditional phone line, limiting calls to approved contacts to prevent spam or unauthorized communications. Parents can conveniently manage contacts through an intuitive companion application.
Tin Can offers a free calling plan for other Tin Can users and a paid plan at $9.99 per month that allows calls to all approved contacts.
Waffle
A new contender in the market, Waffle has recently started taking preorders for its screen-free devices: Waffle Home ($119), a landline phone, and Waffle Go ($169), styled like a compact walkie-talkie that includes three simple buttons for making voice calls and listening to messages.
Parents can approve contacts, track locations, and dictate when calls can be made through a companion app.
These new phones are set to ship on November 23.
Yello!
TextNow has introduced a mobile phone for children named Yello! Although it resembles a standard touchscreen smartphone, it lacks an app store, social media, or unrestricted web browsing.
Parents have access to track their children’s location and battery life, and they can manage game access and contacts.
Yello! is priced at $149.99 upfront, along with a monthly plan starting at $19.99.
