At a time when parental controls are increasingly essential for children to navigate the vast, sometimes unfiltered online content, Gabb, a kid-safe technology company, recently launched a premium music subscription. Gabb Music Plus, giving children a safe place to explore music. But beyond streaming music, Gabb is positioning itself as a safe space for kids 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 and 13. The company says it has taken a leadership role in providing research and education and developing solutions that give parents the tools to keep their children safe. He creates devices and applications that consider the age factor and the “cool” aspect of the devices he creates.
“While still protecting (children) from gaming addictions, the dangers of predators, bullies, exposure to explicit language or inappropriate language and images,” Brandon Jeppson, director of marketing, told me in an email. by Gabb.
As for smartphones, the brand's latest Gabb phones and Gabb Phone 3 Pro do not have internet connectivity, but they do provide the essential apps needed for every stage of development, from elementary school to high school. For example, Gabb's teen-friendly phone supports third-party apps like Kahoot, Duolingo, Gabb Maps, etc., which parents can enable if they feel their teens are ready.
These phones also come equipped with safe messaging for kids through Gabb Messenger, which constantly monitors text messages and notifies parents if their children are exposed to inappropriate content, opening up necessary conversations in families. Parents can also request that the company add certain apps that they deem necessary at school or in public settings.
“Unlike other technology solutions, Gabb has children first in mind, not an afterthought,” Jeppson added.
Gabb has kids as our first thought, not an afterthought.
After delving into music, Gabb highlights how parents wanted a platform that featured safe music options without explicit content their kids could accidentally find, so the company created a Gabb Music Plus subscription.
“Gabb Music doesn't just remove the lyrics; instead, every explicit song and innuendo has been fully filtered using industry-leading tools and proprietary technology,” said Gabb CEO Nate Randle.
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, just like other music streaming apps like Spotify or Youtube music.
Gabb's watches offer similar benefits to its phones. The latest Gabb Watch 3 allows calling and texting to pre-approved contacts, ensuring kids stay connected 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 the kids are out and about.
The need for safe havens
If you handed a toddler a smartphone today, you'd be surprised that they'd probably unlock it and start launching apps they're interested in, which could lead them down a path of screen addiction when they're supposed to be learning life skills. . .
Parents constantly debate the appropriate age to give their children a phone due to increased psychological risks. TO global study A 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 older the age at which these young adults first have a phone or tablet that they can carry with them in childhood, the better their mental well-being will be.”
In today's connected world with access to smartphones and the Internet, teenagers are bound to stumble upon inappropriate content and be subjected to bullying, which, in turn, affects their self-esteem and their ability to relate to others in a similar way. positive way. While most social media apps have age restrictions, getting around those walls and getting through them is just as easy.
another study reflexes how children ages 8 to 10 spend almost eight hours a day with various media, and older children and teenagers spend around 11 hours with media, leaving them susceptible to unwanted content or even social media predators.
That's where companies like Gabb come in, providing essential tools for parental control and age-appropriate functionality. Gabb says she tries to create an environment for children to safely transition to other devices as adults while striving to remain relevant in today's AI-driven world.
That said, Gabb isn't the only company making kid-safe technology. Recently, Google announced the new Fitbit Ace LTE, an exclusive smartwatch for children that aims to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle. The wearable isn't just about following steps: It also comes with “games” and other ways to get kids in the habit of staying active. 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 empowering parents and children to connect safely in a digital world,” Jeppson added.
Despite other players in the market, Gabb feels it has had a substantial advantage over the competition and has established a loyal and growing customer base.
“We also continue to see a strong response from parents to Technology in steps (aligning products with developmental stages) and child-centered approach to help children and teens safely connect with family and friends.”
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