What features do children's smartphones offer?

Children's smartphones typically support calls, SMS, and a limited set of apps. Parents can manage contacts, track locations, set screen time limits, and block access to social media or browsers.

How do children's phones differ from regular smartphones?

Children's phones feature modified software that excludes access to social media, browsers, and app stores. They also include parental control functions like content monitoring and geolocation.

Which companies lead the children's device market?

Key players include Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Teracube, and Ooma. They offer devices with varying levels of control and functionality, from basic phones to advanced smartphones with gradual access expansion.

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Hardware

Children's Smartphones Market Grows: Top Devices for Safety

July 17, 2026

Photo: TechCrunch

Quick answer

Manufacturers are developing child-friendly smartphones with limited features and parental controls to protect kids from harmful content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time.

Parents are increasingly seeking ways to protect children from the risks associated with unrestricted smartphone access. In response, manufacturers are developing devices tailored specifically for younger users. These phones and smartphones retain basic functions—calls, SMS, and cameras—but restrict access to social media, browsers, and app stores.

One market leader is the Bark Phone, built on Samsung's hardware platform. The device runs on Bark's software, which scans messages, photos, and apps for cyberbullying, sexual content, or suicidal thoughts. Parents can gradually unlock internet and app access as the child grows. The base model costs $240, with monthly subscriptions starting at $29.

Gabb takes a more conservative approach: its phones completely block access to social media, browsers, and app stores. Instead, children receive a limited set of pre-installed apps, including a camera and calendar. Parents can track the child's location and block spam calls. Devices start at $160, with monthly plans from $25.

Pinwheel stands out for its flexible settings: parents can create different device modes based on the time of day. For example, during school hours, the phone may function solely for calls, while after school, additional features unlock. The company also offers home phones and smartwatches. Devices start at $120, with parental control subscriptions from $15 per month.

For those preferring minimalist solutions, stationary phones like Ooma MyPhone and Tin Can are available. These devices support only calls between approved contacts and lack internet access. Ooma MyPhone costs $100, with monthly subscriptions starting at $8. Tin Can, designed like a tin can, connects via Wi-Fi and allows calls only to approved contacts. The basic plan is free, while the premium plan costs $10 per month.

Common questions

What features do children's smartphones offer?: Children's smartphones typically support calls, SMS, and a limited set of apps. Parents can manage contacts, track locations, set screen time limits, and block access to social media or browsers.
How do children's phones differ from regular smartphones?: Children's phones feature modified software that excludes access to social media, browsers, and app stores. They also include parental control functions like content monitoring and geolocation.
Which companies lead the children's device market?: Key players include Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Teracube, and Ooma. They offer devices with varying levels of control and functionality, from basic phones to advanced smartphones with gradual access expansion.

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