Giving children their first phone is a big decision for parents. While smartphones make it easier for families to stay connected, they also expose young users to potential risks, including social media addiction, inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online strangers, and excessive screen time.
As more parents become concerned about their children's digital safety, a growing number of technology companies are developing phones designed specifically for younger users. Instead of offering unrestricted access to everything the internet has to offer, these devices focus on communication, parental controls, age-appropriate features, and a safer digital experience.
Fortunately, parents no longer have to choose between keeping their children connected and protecting them from the potential dangers of smartphones. Several companies are introducing alternatives that give families more control over how and when children use their devices.
Here are nine companies offering phones and communication devices designed with children's safety in mind.
8 Companies Making Safer Phones and Devices for Kids
1. Yello! – A Smartphone With Built-In Restrictions
Device: $149.99 | Monthly plan: $19.99
Yello!, developed by TextNow, is designed for children who are getting their first mobile phone. Although it looks like a traditional touchscreen smartphone, it removes many features that can expose children to online risks.
The device does not offer a conventional app store, social media platforms, or unrestricted web browsing. Parents can manage approved contacts, monitor their child's location and battery level, and control access to certain games. This gives children an opportunity to experience mobile communication while allowing parents to maintain greater control.
2. Waffle – Simple Communication Without Smartphone Distractions
Waffle Home: $119 | Waffle Go: $169
Waffle takes a different approach by developing screen-free communication devices for children. Its product lineup includes Waffle Home, a home phone, and Waffle Go, a portable device designed for communication on the move.
Waffle Go features three simple buttons and supports voice calls and voice messages. Parents can approve contacts, manage calling permissions, and access location information through a companion application. By removing traditional smartphone features, Waffle aims to make communication easier without introducing unnecessary digital distractions.
3. Tin Can – A Modern Take on the Traditional Landline
Device: $100 | Optional plan: $9.99/month
Tin Can brings back the simplicity of the traditional home telephone with a child-friendly design. The Wi-Fi-connected device allows children to communicate with friends and family without needing a smartphone, social media accounts, or messaging applications.
One of its most important features is its approved-contact system. Children can only receive calls from people their parents have authorized. Calling other Tin Can users is available through its free service, while an optional monthly subscription enables calls to approved regular phone numbers.
4. Ooma MyPhone – A Safer Home Phone for Families
Device: $99.99 | Monthly service: Starting at $7.99
Ooma MyPhone is designed for families who want their children to have a reliable way to make calls without giving them access to a mobile internet device.
Unlike conventional smartphones, MyPhone does not include applications, web browsing, text messaging, or social media. Its Trusted Circle feature limits communication to approved contacts, while scheduled Quiet Hours help parents manage when children can use the phone.
The service also includes emergency features such as address-based 911 calling and alerts when an emergency call is placed. Parents can review call activity through an online account.
5. Teracube Thrive – More Freedom With Parental Controls
Device: $99 | Monthly plans: Starting at $35
For parents who prefer a more traditional smartphone experience, Teracube Thrive offers a different solution. It runs a customized Android operating system called Thrive OS, which provides children with smartphone functionality while giving parents control over how the device is used.
Parents can approve individual app downloads, filter internet browsing, establish daily screen-time limits, monitor location, and create customized schedules for school and bedtime.
Because it offers more conventional smartphone features, Teracube Thrive may be better suited to older children who are ready for additional independence but still need parental supervision.
6. Pinwheel – A Smartphone That Grows With Your Child
Phones: Starting around $119 | Caregiver Portal: Starting at $14.99/month
Pinwheel focuses on giving children access to useful smartphone features without exposing them to unnecessary online distractions.
Its parental control system allows adults to approve applications individually, manage contact lists, monitor location history, and establish screen-time schedules. Parents can also create different usage modes depending on the time of day.
For example, a child's phone can be restricted to essential functions such as calling and navigation during school hours, with additional applications becoming available after school.
Pinwheel also offers home telephone devices for families who prefer a simpler communication option.
7. Gabb – Keeping Smartphones Focused on What Matters
Phones: Starting around $159.99 | Service: Starting around $24.99/month
Gabb takes a more restrictive approach to children's smartphones. Rather than allowing unrestricted access and relying primarily on monitoring, the company removes several features that parents may find concerning.
Its devices are designed without traditional social media platforms, unrestricted web browsing, or a conventional app store. Children can still make calls, send messages, take pictures, and use selected applications.
Gabb also provides parental controls and location-related features, helping families stay connected while reducing exposure to common online distractions.
8. Bark Phone – Advanced Monitoring and Parental Supervision
Standard device: Around $240 in the cited roundup | Wireless plans: Starting at $29/month
Bark Phone is designed for parents who want their children to have a smartphone while maintaining strong oversight of their digital activities.
Built on Samsung Galaxy hardware, the device combines familiar smartphone functionality with Bark's parental monitoring technology. Its features can help parents identify potential concerns involving cyberbullying, inappropriate content, suspicious interactions, and other online safety issues.
Parents can manage approved contacts, track their child's location, establish screen-time limits, and control which applications are available. They can also gradually introduce additional features as their children become more responsible digital users.
This approach makes Bark an option for families who want a more advanced smartphone experience without giving children completely unrestricted access.
What Should Parents Consider Before Choosing a Device?
Choosing the right phone for a child depends on their age, maturity, communication needs, and the level of independence parents are comfortable providing.
Some families may prefer a basic device that only supports calls, while others may want a smartphone with carefully managed applications, internet access, and advanced parental monitoring.
It is also important to consider the ongoing costs. Many of these devices require monthly subscriptions or wireless plans in addition to the initial purchase price. Parents should compare the total cost before making a decision.
The prices mentioned above are US dollar prices reported in the November 2026 coverage and may change. Some services and features may also have additional subscription requirements.
Final Thoughts
The growing market for child-friendly phones reflects a major shift in how families think about technology. Parents increasingly want their children to enjoy the benefits of staying connected without facing all the risks associated with unrestricted smartphone access.
Companies such as Yello!, Waffle, Tin Can, Ooma, Teracube, Pinwheel, Gabb, and Bark are approaching this challenge in different ways. Some focus on simple calling devices, while others offer fully functional smartphones with advanced parental controls.
Ultimately, there is no single perfect phone for every child. The best choice is the one that balances safety, communication, affordability, and age-appropriate independence.
As this market continues to expand, parents will have more options to introduce technology into their children's lives without giving up control over their digital well-being.
Source: Original report by TechCrunch
