Key Takeaways
- Gabb is a company that offers kid-safe technology, providing an alternative to traditional smartphones with restrictions on social media and other distracting features.
- The company involves kids in the decision-making process, allowing them to provide feedback and help improve the products.
- Gabb devices are designed to be safe and easy to use, with features such as music apps and messenger services, but without access to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- The cost of Gabb devices and services is relatively low, with phones and watches under $200 and service charges averaging around $25 per month.
- The company also offers applications for low-income families who may be interested in their products.
Introduction to Gabb
Gabb is a company that was founded in 2018 with the goal of protecting young people from the dangers of online social media. The company offers a range of kid-safe technology products, including smartphones and smartwatches, that are designed to be safe and easy to use. Unlike traditional smartphones, Gabb devices have restrictions on social media and other distracting features, making them a great alternative for kids who want to stay connected with friends and family without the risks associated with social media.
How Gabb Devices Work
Gabb devices look and feel like traditional smartphones and smartwatches, but they have a number of restrictions that make them safer for kids. For example, they have a music app and a messenger service, but they do not have access to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This means that kids can stay connected with friends and family, but they are not exposed to the risks associated with social media, such as cyberbullying and online predators. Emma Murphy, a 7th grader from Louisville, has been using Gabb devices for about two years and says that she enjoys texting her friends and listening to music on her device.
The Importance of Kid-Safe Technology
The importance of kid-safe technology cannot be overstated. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than half of U.S. teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 spend four or more hours on their phones or tablets outside of schoolwork. This can lead to a range of problems, including addiction, social isolation, and decreased attention span. Gabb’s approach to kid-safe technology is designed to address these problems by providing kids with a safe and healthy way to stay connected with friends and family. By restricting access to social media and other distracting features, Gabb devices can help kids develop healthy habits and avoid the risks associated with excessive screen time.
Gabb’s Approach to Involving Kids in Decision-Making
One of the unique aspects of Gabb’s approach is the way that they involve kids in the decision-making process. In December 2024, the company selected four kids across the country to help lead the company and implement changes. Emma Murphy was one of the kids selected, and she says that she was in charge of customer service. She and the other kids worked together to create a script for the customer service team and recorded messages from kids. This approach allows Gabb to get feedback from the kids who are using their devices, which helps the company to improve their products and make them more kid-friendly.
The Benefits of Gabb Devices for Parents
Gabb devices are not just beneficial for kids, but also for parents. Ryan Murphy, Emma’s father, says that he likes the fact that his wife can control the device and that there is no social media. He also appreciates the fact that the device gives Emma a chance to have a phone and allows his wife to be comfortable with the features on the phone. Gabb’s approach to kid-safe technology provides parents with peace of mind, knowing that their kids are safe and protected from the risks associated with social media. The company’s devices are also relatively affordable, with phones and watches under $200 and service charges averaging around $25 per month.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gabb is a company that is dedicated to providing kid-safe technology that is safe, easy to use, and fun. Their approach to involving kids in the decision-making process and restricting access to social media and other distracting features makes their devices a great alternative to traditional smartphones. With the importance of kid-safe technology on the rise, Gabb is poised to make a significant impact in the market. As the company continues to grow and expand its products and services, it is likely that we will see more kids and parents turning to Gabb for a safe and healthy way to stay connected.
