# Kid-friendly phones gain traction as parents seek safer devices

> Companies are building smartphones and home phones designed to limit children's access to social media, browsers and app stores while letting parents monitor their activity.
- Title: Kid-friendly phones gain traction as parents seek safer…
- Summary: Companies are building smartphones and home phones designed to limit children's access to social media, browsers and app stores while letting parents monitor…
- Keywords: kid-friendly phones, parental controls, smartphone safety, bark phone, gabb, pinwheel, teracube thrive, ooma myphone, tin can, waffle, yello, TechCrunch
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/07/parents-want-safer-phones-for-kids-these-companies-are-answering-the-call
- Author: Lauren Forristal
- Published: 2026-11-07T19:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: kid-friendly phones, parental controls, smartphone safety, bark phone, gabb, pinwheel, teracube thrive, ooma myphone, tin can, waffle, yello, technology
## Parents push for safer phones
Parents are increasingly concerned about unrestricted smartphone access for children, prompting companies to develop devices specifically designed for kids.
## How kid phones work
Kid-friendly phones have touchscreens and cameras like regular smartphones, but their software restricts access to web browsers, social media, app stores and other distractions.
## Parental monitoring features
Parents manage these devices through companion apps, approving contacts, monitoring locations, setting screen time limits, selecting available apps, and receiving alerts about cyberbullying or online predators.
## Minimalist alternatives
Some companies offer devices focused solely on calling and texting, while others make home phones designed specifically for children like Tin Can and Pinwheel Home.
## Bark Phone: monitoring approach
Built on Samsung Galaxy hardware, the Bark Phone allows only approved contacts and scans texts, emails and photos for cyberbullying, grooming and sexual content. It costs $240 plus $29 per month minimum.
## Gabb: elimination strategy
Gabb removes online risks by excluding social media, browsers and app stores entirely. Phones include calling, texting and preloaded apps. Pricing starts at $159.99 with service from $24.99 monthly.
## Pinwheel: customizable modes
Pinwheel lets parents approve apps, control contacts and create different daily modes. During school hours the phone limits to calling and navigation only. Phones start at $119 with subscriptions from $14.99 monthly.
## Teracube Thrive and others
Teracube Thrive uses customized Android software for older children, costing $99 with plans from $35 monthly. Ooma MyPhone is a home phone for $99.99 plus $7.99 monthly service.
## Tin Can and Waffle launch
Tin Can is a Wi-Fi landline for $100 with a $9.99 monthly plan. Waffle recently opened preorders for screen-free devices: Waffle Home at $119 and Waffle Go at $169, shipping November 23.
## Yello from TextNow
TextNow, a Canadian telecommunications company, launched Yello, a touchscreen phone without an app store, social media or unrestricted web access. It costs $149.99 upfront with $19.99 monthly service.
## Key takeaway

A growing number of companies are launching phones designed specifically for children, with restricted software and parental controls to address parent concerns about unrestricted smartphone access.