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

Companies are developing kid-friendly phones with modified software to restrict access to web browsers, social media, and app stores, allowing parents to manage their child's device through a companion app. Some devices focus on basic calling and texting, while others include additional features like GPS tracking and screen time management. The market includes devices like the Bark Phone, built on Samsung Galaxy hardware, which scans for signs of cyberbullying and sends alerts to parents. Home phones like Tin Can and Pinwheel Home are also being marketed for kids.