As parents do increasingly worried about the potential dangers of unlimited smartphone access for children, a growing number of companies are developing devices specifically designed for children.
Today’s kid-friendly phones typically feature touchscreens, cameras, and communication capabilities similar to regular smartphones. However, the software on these devices has been heavily modified to remove or limit access to web browsers, social media, app stores, and other distractions.
Parents can usually manage these devices through a companion app, allowing them to approve contacts, track locations, set screen time limits, select available apps and, in some cases, receive alerts about cyberbullying, obscene content or online predators.
In addition to these modified devices, some companies offer a more minimalist approach, creating devices that focus solely on calling and texting.
There are also home phones designed specifically for children, such as Tin pot and it was recently released Pinwheel Home.
Here’s a look at the major players shaping the kids’ phone market.
The Bark phone
The Bark phone is probably one of the most popular smartphones on the market especially for children.
Built on Samsung Galaxy hardware and powered by Bark’s tracking 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 and then sends alerts to parents.
A major 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 price for the standard model is $240, plus a required wireless plan that starts at $29/month. Higher-tier plans add Internet access and unlimited texting.
Gabb
Gabb is a well-known name in the children’s phone category. Unlike Bark, however, 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, kids call, text, and a carefully selected selection of preloaded apps like camera, calendar, and calculator. The company also touts its “worry-free” music streaming library of millions of songs.
Additionally, parents can view location and manage certain device settings, while optional services like “Gabb Guard” help block unwanted calls and spam.
Current pricing for the phone starts at around $159.99, with cellular service starting at around $24.99 per month.
Pin wheel
With Pin wheelparents approve each app, control contacts, schedule screen time, create custom 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 navigation during school hours before unlocking additional features after work.
Pinwheel phones start at about $119, while a Caregiver Portal subscription starts at $14.99 per month without cell service. (Mobile service may be purchased separately through participating carriers.)
The company recently released two landlines for $68 and $79. It also offers a smartwatch for $160.
Teracube Thrive
Started in 2022, Teracube offers a customized version of Android known as Thrive OS. This enables parents to approve each app download, filter web browsing, set screen time limits for specific apps, and overall, track location and create custom routines for school or bedtime. However, because it has more traditional smartphone functions, it is often recommended for older children.
Thrive currently sells for $99, with plans starting at $35 per month.
Ooma MyPhone
Unlike the other products in this collection, Ooma MyPhone it’s not a mobile phone at all. This kid-focused home phone is designed as a modern replacement for the traditional home landline.
The service only allows calls between approved contacts through the Trusted Circle feature, offers scheduled quiet hours, provides address-based 911 service, sends emergency alerts when 911 is called, and allows parents to review call logs through an online portal. No apps, web browsing, texting or social media.
The phone costs $99.99, while service starts at $7.99 per month.
Tin
For $100, Tin it looks like a landline phone with a distinctive tin 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 contacts through a user-friendly companion app.
Tin Can offers a free plan to call other Tin Can users, as well as a $9.99 per month plan that allows calls to all approved contacts.
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