Parents want safer phones for kids. These companies are answering the call.

Summary

• Companies are developing kid-specific devices with modified software to restrict web browsers, social media, app stores, and distractions.
• Parents can manage these devices through companion apps to approve contacts, monitor locations, set screen time limits, select apps, and receive alerts for cyberbullying or explicit content.
• Some devices offer a minimalist approach focusing solely on calling and texting, while others are home phones like Tin Can and Pinwheel Home.
• The Bark Phone runs on Samsung Galaxy hardware with Bark monitoring software, scans content for risks like grooming or suicidal ideation, and allows gradual feature unlocking as children mature; it costs $240 plus a plan starting at $29/month.
• Gabb phones eliminate online risks by excluding social media, browsers, and app stores, offering preloaded apps, a music library, and optional Gabb Guard spam blocking; phones start at $159.99 with service around $24.99/month.
• Pinwheel allows parents to approve apps, control contacts, schedule screen time, create daily modes, and monitor location history; phones start at $119 with a Caregiver Portal subscription at $14.99/month.
• Pinwheel also launched landline phones for $68 & $79 & offers a smartwatch for $160.
• Teracube Thrive uses a tailored Android version called Thrive OS to approve app downloads, filter browsing, set limits, & monitor location; it is recommended for older children, costs $99, with plans starting at $35/month.
• Ooma MyPhone is a home phone replacing landlines with a Trusted Circle feature for approved contacts, scheduled Quiet Hours, address-based 911 service, & call log reviews; it costs $99.99 with service starting at $7.99/month.
• Tin Can is a Wi-Fi connected landline-style phone with a tin can design that connects only to approved contacts; it offers a free plan for user-to-user calls or a $9.99/month plan for all approved contacts.
• Waffle offers preorders for Waffle Home ($119) & Waffle Go ($169), a portable device with three buttons for voice calls & notes; devices ship November 23.
• TextNow launched Yello!, a touchscreen phone without an app store, social media, or unrestricted web access, allowing parents to control games, contacts, & view location & battery life; it costs $149.99 upfront with a $19.99/month plan.