Specially designed smartphone for children launches

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Pinwheel devices enable parents to remotely monitor all of a child’s text messages and call history, gives parents the ability to approve contacts and set time limits for apps and chat time, as well as a curated app library designed to be age appropriate for the child in question, with all social media apps and web browsers not included. Growing concerns about the impact of social media platforms and general phone screen time on children’s physical well being and mental health has led to many of the biggest phone makers and online platforms introducing various parental controls and safety features in recent years. The firm’s chief executive and founder, Dane Witbeck, said: “Ever since we launched Pinwheel in the US a few years ago, word spread quickly among parents everywhere, including in the UK. “Now parents and children have a way to stay connected and enjoy the benefits and fun of a smartphone – from sharing photos, texting friends, playing games and more, but with the guardrails and monitoring that keep everyone safe and reduce family conflict.” “We believe our phones give families a way to help children develop healthy habits around digital device usage and screentime without the negative impacts and distractions of social media and open internet access.”