Kid-safe phones gain market as parents seek limits
Several companies now sell devices built for children, with tools that restrict apps, browsing and contacts while letting parents keep track of their children.
Key points
- Parents are growing more concerned about unrestricted smartphone access for children, according to TechCrunch.
- Kid-friendly phones usually limit browsers, social media and app stores, and parents manage them through companion apps.
- Options range from modified smartphones to calls-only devices and home landline-style phones.
- Prices vary widely, from about $99 for some devices to $240 for the Bark Phone plus monthly plans.
Parents who worry about unrestricted smartphone use by children now have a growing range of choices. According to TechCrunch, a number of companies are building devices made specifically for kids. The products are designed to look and work much like regular phones, but with much of the software removed or locked down.
Most of these devices include a touchscreen, a camera and calling or messaging features. Browsers, social media and app stores are either removed or heavily restricted. Parents usually control the device through a companion app, where they can approve contacts, check locations, set screen time limits and choose which apps are available.
Smartphones with monitoring tools
The Bark Phone is one of the best-known kid-specific smartphones. It runs on Samsung Galaxy hardware and uses Bark’s monitoring software. Only approved contacts can call or text. The monitoring tool checks a child’s texts and photos, along with email and compatible apps, looking for warning signs such as bullying, predatory contact, thoughts of self-harm and explicit material, and then notifies parents.
The standard Bark Phone costs $240, and it needs a wireless plan that starts at $29 per month. Parents can gradually unlock web browsing and apps as a child grows older. Gabb takes a different approach. Its phones have no social media, browser or app store, and instead offer calling, texting and a small set of preloaded apps. Phone pricing starts around $159.99, with cellular service from about $24.99 per month.
Pinwheel lets parents approve every app, manage contacts and set screen time. Its phones start around $119. A feature called modes allows different settings at different times of day. A child might be limited to calls and navigation during school hours, for example. Teracube’s Thrive phone, launched in 2022, runs a tailored version of Android and sells for $99, with plans from $35 per month. Because it has more standard smartphone features, the company’s product is often recommended for older children.
Landline-style and calls-only devices
Some products avoid smartphone features altogether. Ooma MyPhone is a home phone rather than a mobile device. It costs $99.99, with service from $7.99 per month. It allows calls only between approved contacts, offers scheduled quiet hours and includes address-based 911 service. Tin Can resembles a landline and connects over Wi-Fi. It costs $100, and a $9.99 monthly plan covers calls to all approved contacts.
Waffle has opened preorders for two screen-free devices. Waffle Home costs $119 and is a landline phone. Waffle Go costs $169 and has three buttons for voice calls and voice notes. The new phones are scheduled to ship on November 23. Parents can approve contacts and see location through the companion app.
A new entrant from TextNow
TextNow, a Canadian telecommunications company, has recently launched Yello!, a mobile phone for kids. It looks like a standard touchscreen smartphone but has no app store, no social media and no unrestricted web access. Parents can see location and battery life, and control games and contacts. Yello! costs $149.99 upfront, with a plan at $19.99 per month.
The range of options reflects growing demand from families who want to balance communication with safety. Prices and plans differ widely, so parents are advised to compare features and ongoing costs before choosing a device.
Frequently asked questions
What is a kid-friendly phone?
According to TechCrunch, kid-friendly phones are devices with restricted software that limit browsers, social media and app stores. Parents usually manage them through a companion app.
How much do kid-friendly phones cost?
Prices vary. The Bark Phone costs $240 plus a plan from $29 per month, while Tin Can costs $100 with a $9.99 monthly plan. Yello! costs $149.99 upfront with a $19.99 monthly plan.
When will Waffle Go ship?
The new Waffle phones are set to ship on November 23, according to the source report. Preorders are already open.
Sources
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