In his book, The Anxious Generation, Jonathon Haidt concludes keeping cell phones out of the classroom is ideal for kids’ mental health and well being. He further recommends no smart phones before high school, no social media before age 16, and more independent free play time. Nix the phone; pick up the ball.
In response to his research, a number of states have enacted cell phone bans in the classroom. I encourage parents to follow these guidelines, yet I understand sometimes there are exceptions. For instance, medical reasons may require a child to need a phone. If you are one of those parents, grandparents, or guardians, I have good news for you.
iPhones or Androids are not your only options. If you are shopping for a safe phone, take a look at Bark and Gabb. Today, we’ll do a little window shopping, and compare these products. If this is not you, please pass this blog along to friends, your adult children, and family who might benefit from this information.
Bark.us
Appropriately named, Bark scans text messages and online activity to create threat alerts for cyberbullying or pornography. Parents then receive personalized reports (the bark) on their child’s online activity, along with expert advice on next steps and how to talk with their child. Parents set the tamper proof rules.
Look at these compelling stats.
7.2 million children use Bark
4.1 million severe self-harm situations detected
6.8 million severe bullying scenarios detected
If you have the Bark phone you can use your service to protect your child’s iPad and computer as well. Bark also allows you to buy their app and use it on your child’s existing phone or other devices. However, some parents wish they had gone with a Bark phone in the first place because of the greater peace of mind.
Parents Review Bark
Honestly, Bark catches ALL THE THINGS!! It’s gotten to the point that my daughter comes to me and gives me a heads up if she thinks she or a friend may have said something, or she’s come across something, that’s going to lead to a “Bark alert” usually half an hour before the alert comes through. Lol. Lori M. (Bark App)
The Bark Phone is an excellent compromise between letting your kids have some privacy and being able to monitor their phone… This was a game changer for my child as it alerted me to things going on in my child’s life that I was unaware of and we were able to then have healthy conversations about it. Highly recommend. Stephanie W. ( Bark Phone)
Gabb.com
Safe right out of the box, and ready to go, Gabb requires minimal effort to keep your kids, especially younger ones, safe. Think of it as a ‘training wheels’ phone. Parental controls are built into the device, and Gabb claims they have the best parental controls.There is no social media, internet, or games. The camera is simple with no video recording. For music you get custom playlists, with unlimited skips on a kid safe library. Messenger is kid safe with parental controls. On a tight budget? Refer a friend and get a discount.
Gabb Parent and Youth Reviews
The Gabb Phone has filled a void in the cellphone industry that desperately needed filling. Kids today have a need to be connected, but big tech industries have failed children and their families by not providing legitimately safe options! …It allows my child to feel connected in a safe way.
Ashley M.
I like how it looks like an iPhone. It’s so easy to text. You feel protected so you don’t waste so much time on it. We’re hanging out and doing stuff with each other more.
Sadie
14 Year Old
Gabb Phone User
I don’t have to worry and can focus on doing real-life stuff. The camera app is great for grabbing videos of skate tricks. And I like the voice recorder app for recording beats on my drums.
Dylan
10-year-old Gabb Phone User
Comparison
Gabb limits children’s access to the standard collection of apps by default and may well be a good choice for a first phone, especially for younger children. Bark gives older kids more “functionality but with guardrails” and more independence. Parents can customize the settings to fit their child, such as set bedtime hours, and allow music while blocking YouTube. Under watchful management, Bark guides a student’s access, allowing more freedom while tracking and alerting parents to anything risky or inappropriate. On their websites, both companies provide a quiz that helps you determine which phone or watch to buy. Unlimited talk and text is standard with both Gabb and Bark.
Bottom line—know your child, your time, and how tech savvy you are. Consider your child’s age, your budget, why they want a watch or phone, and how it might effect family dynamics. Do they like to video people or animals? Where will the device live when not in use? What kind of access can they realistically handle? Are you willing to spend time with them to talk through and practice responsible use of a digital device? Will you also choose to demonstrate that behavior with your own phone?
photo by Via Glitter
Excellent advice. Encourage parents to look into the safer phone option.
Nothing like a flip phone as well—basic, with limited access. Perhaps it would help all of us to take a step back:)