Pinwheel is launching its smartphone for kids in Canada, claiming that parents have a true “kid-safe” smartphone option for the first time.
Pinwheel has built a name for itself by developing a way for kids to have a moderated and curated smartphone experience, protected from social media access. Pinwheel’s smartphone options offer the use of text, media sharing, and the ability to play approved games. All of these can be overseen and controlled by their parent or guardian using the Pinwheel Caregiver Portal.
As seen on the website, Pinwheel is launching new smartphone options for children between the ages of 8-14. With resources and tips available, the company aims to help parents guide their child “from their first phone to independent, responsible use of technology.” In today’s day and age of technology, that’s a mission statement that’s easier said than done.
Many smartphone makers build parental controls right into their devices. However, they aren’t widely protected nor do they give parents immediate ways to monitor. Pinwheel offers a series of safeguards and features to help parents protect their children. This includes a safelist for contacts that only allow those that are approved. Call and text history monitoring is also available. Pinwheel states that it has vetted over 1,200 apps, each with a rating based on its therapist council recommendations. The App Library does not include any social media apps or browsers.
Other curated features provided by Pinwheel include GPS location, screen time management, and task and schedule creators. Most importantly, Pinwheel has included workaround and loophole prevention so kids can’t find ways to override protections.
“Ever since we launched Pinwheel in the U.S. a few years ago, word spread quickly among parents everywhere, including Canada, and we heard from many people that they were so eager to get a phone they were asking friends in the US to buy them and ship them up north. That’s why we are so excited to finally be able to meet the demand for our phones here,” said Dane Witbeck, CEO and Founder of Pinwheel.
In Canada, Pinwheel is launching four models. This includes the Pinwheel Genesis for $149 and the Pinwheel Slim 5 for $289. Both devices are manufactured by BLU smartphones. The company is also working with Samsung and Google, offering the Pinwheel Plus 3 for $469 and the Pinwheel Pixel 8A for $859. Additionally, parents can purchase the subscription for parental controls and the Caregiver Portal for $19.99 per month or $219 annually.
All models are available to use on any Canadian telecom carrier.
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