The Rise of Kid-Friendly Phones
As parents become increasingly concerned about the potential dangers of unrestricted smartphone access for children, a growing number of companies are developing devices specifically designed 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.
Key Features
- Touchscreens and cameras for communication and entertainment
- Modified software to restrict access to web browsers, social media, and other distractions
- Ability for parents to manage devices through a companion app
- Approval of contacts, monitoring of locations, and setting of screen time limits
- Alerts for cyberbullying, explicit content, and online predators
Popular Kid-Friendly Phones
- Bark Phone: Built on Samsung Galaxy hardware and powered by Bark's monitoring software, it only allows calls and texts with approved contacts. Parents can gradually unlock web browsing, apps, and other features as their child matures.
- Gabb: Focuses on eliminating online risks altogether by removing social media, a browser, and an app store. Children get calling, texting, and a carefully curated selection of preloaded apps.
- Pinwheel: Allows parents to approve every app, control contacts, schedule screen time, and monitor location history. Standout feature is the ability to create different "modes" throughout the day.
- Teracube: Offers a tailored version of Android known as Thrive OS, which enables parents to approve every app download and filter web browsing.
- Ooma MyPhone: A kid-focused home phone that allows calls only between approved contacts and offers scheduled Quiet Hours.
Alternative Options
- Tin Can: A landline phone with a distinctive tin can design that connects via Wi-Fi and only allows calls to approved contacts.
- Home Phones: Designed specifically for children, like the recently launched Pinwheel Home, which allows parents to manage calls and contacts through a companion app.
These kid-friendly phones and home phones are designed to provide a safer and more controlled environment for children to communicate and access information. By restricting access to online risks and distractions, these devices aim to help parents give their children the freedom to explore and learn without compromising their safety.