Parents want safer phones for kids. These companies answer the call.

As parents become Increasingly worried In connection with the potential risks of unrestricted access to smartphones for children, an increasing number of companies are developing devices designed specifically for children.

Today’s kid-friendly phones typically feature touchscreens, cameras, and connectivity 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.

Parents can usually manage these devices through a companion app, allowing them to approve contacts, monitor locations, set screen time limits, choose available apps, and in some cases, receive alerts about cyberbullying, explicit content, or online predators.

In addition to these modified devices, some companies offer a simpler approach, creating devices that focus solely on calling and texting.

There are also home phones designed specifically for children, e.g Tin can Which was launched recently Home Pinwheel.

Here’s a look at the major players shaping the kids’ phone market.

Bark phone

Bark phone It is perhaps one of the most popular smartphones for children on the market.

Built on Samsung Galaxy devices and powered by Bark monitoring software, it only allows calls and texts with approved contacts. Bark constantly scans texts, emails, photos and sponsored apps for signs of cyberbullying, grooming, suicidal ideation, sexual content and other potential concerns, then sends alerts to parents.

The big standout feature is that parents can gradually unlock web browsing, apps, and other features as their kids mature. The phone also includes GPS tracking and screen time management.

Current pricing for the standard model is $240, plus a required wireless plan starting at $29 per month. Higher-tier plans add unlimited Internet access and texting.

trick

trick It is a well-known name in the category of kid-friendly phones. Unlike Park, Gab focuses less on monitoring content and more on eliminating online risks altogether.

Their phones don’t have social media, a browser, or an app store. Instead, kids get calls, texts, and a carefully selected selection of pre-loaded apps, including a camera, calendar, and calculator. The company also touts its “worry-free” music streaming library containing millions of songs.

Additionally, parents can view location and manage certain device settings, while optional services like “Gabb Guard” help block unwanted calls and texts.

Current phone pricing starts at around $159.99, and cellular service starts at around $24.99 per month.

windmill

with windmillParents approve every app, control contacts, set screen time, create custom routines, and monitor location history.

One notable feature is the ability to create different “modes” throughout the day. For example, limit your phone to calling and navigating during school hours before opening up additional features after homework.

Pinwheel phones start at about $119, while a Caregiver Portal subscription starts at $14.99 per month without cell phone service. (Cellular service can be purchased separately through participating carriers.)

The company recently launched two Landline phones For $68 and $79. A. also provides Smart watch Priced at $160.

Teracube thrives

Launched in 2022, TerraCube It offers a customized version of Android known as Thrive OS. This allows parents to approve every app download, filter web browsing, set general and app-specific limits for screen time, monitor location, and create custom routines for school or bedtime. However, because it has more traditional smartphone features, it is often recommended for older children.

Thrive currently sells for $99, with plans starting at $35 per month.

Uma my phone

Unlike the other products in this roundup, Uma my phone Not a mobile phone at all. This child-focused home phone is designed to be a modern alternative to the traditional home landline.

The service allows calls only 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 the service starts at $7.99 per month.

Tin can

For 100 dollars, Tin can It resembles a landline phone with a distinctive metal box 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 with an easy-to-use 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.