This Company Is Building a Safe Tech Playground for Kids

At a time when parental controls are becoming increasingly essential for children to navigate the vast, sometimes unfiltered content online, Gabb, a kid-friendly technology company, recently launched a premium music subscription, Gabb Music Plus , giving children a safe place to explore music. . But beyond music streaming, Gabb positions itself as a safe space for children to gradually transition into the world of technology and explore content in today’s digital age.

How Gabb is building a safe tech ecosystem for kids

Gabb, founded in 2018, makes internet-free phones for children ages 5 to 13. The company says it has played a leading role in research and education and in developing solutions that give parents the tools needed to keep their children safe. He creates devices and applications that take into account the age factor and the “cool” aspect of the gadgets he creates.

“While protecting (children) from video game addictions, the dangers of predators, bullies, exposure to explicit language or inappropriate language and images,” Brandon Jeppson, director of the marketing from Gabb, in an email.

When it comes to smartphones, the brand’s latest Gabb phone and Gabb Phone 3 Pro don’t have internet connectivity, but they provide the essential apps needed at every stage of development, from primary school to high school. For example, Gabb’s teen-friendly phone is compatible with third-party apps like Kahoot, Duolingo, Gabb Maps, and more, which parents can enable if they feel their teens are ready.

These phones are also equipped with child-safe messaging through Gabb Messenger, which constantly monitors texts and alerts parents if their children are exposed to inappropriate content, opening necessary conversations within families. Parents can also ask the company to add certain apps that they deem necessary at school or in public places.

“Unlike other technology solutions, Gabb puts kids first, not after the fact,” Jeppson added.

After looking at music, Gabb points out that parents wanted a platform with safe music options, without explicit content that their children might accidentally encounter. So the company created a Gabb Music Plus subscription.

“Gabb Music doesn’t just release lyrics; instead, every explicit song and innuendo has been fully filtered using cutting-edge tools and proprietary technology,” said Nate Randle , CEO of Gabb.

The result is a curated music library that the whole family can listen to. Kids can search for songs and artists, create their own playlists, and download them on the go, much like other music streaming apps like Spotify or YouTube Music.

Gabb watches offer similar benefits to its phones. The latest Gabb Watch 3 allows calling and texting pre-approved contacts, ensuring kids stay in touch with their families. These wearable devices also have a built-in GPS tracking system and an SOS button that provides an extra layer of security when children are away from home.

The need for shelter

If you gave a toddler a smartphone today, you’d be surprised to see that they would likely unlock your phone and start launching apps that interest them, which could lead them towards screen addiction while he is supposed to learn life skills. .

Parents constantly debate the right age to give their children a phone due to the increased psychological risks. A global study of nearly 28,000 young adults showed a strong correlation between the age at which children receive their first smartphone and their mental health. It states that “the more these young adults were first given a phone or tablet that they could carry with them as children, the better their mental well-being.”

In today’s largely connected world, with access to smartphones and the internet, teenagers are likely to come across inappropriate content and be bullied, which, in turn, impacts on their self-esteem and their ability to interact positively with others. Although most social media apps have age restrictions, it’s just as easy to circumvent these walls and slip through.

Another study strong points how children ages 8 to 10 spend nearly eight hours a day with various media, and older children and teens spend about 11 hours with media, making them vulnerable to unwanted content or even social media predators .

That’s where companies like Gabb come in, providing essential tools for parental controls and age-appropriate features. Gabb says he’s trying to create an environment for kids to safely transition to other devices as adults, while striving to stay relevant in today’s AI-powered world.

That said, Gabb isn’t the only company creating child-safe technology. Recently, Google announced the new Fitbit Ace LTE, a kids-only smartwatch that aims to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle. The wearable isn’t just about tracking steps: It also comes with “games” and other ways to get kids into the habit of staying active. The Ace LTE also offers calling, messaging, and location sharing.

“We believe the new emergence of other competitors is a validation of the growing interest in our mission of enabling parents and children to connect securely in a digital world,” Jeppson added.

Despite other entrants into the market, Gabb believes it has gotten a head start on the competition and has established a loyal and growing customer base.

“We also continue to see a strong response from parents to Tech in Steps (aligning products with developmental milestones) and child-centered approach to helping children and teens connect safely to their family and friends.”