Gabb Wireless Review
When is it appropriate to get a phone?
We knew getting a cell phone for our children would come, however it came pretty fast when our oldest got to middle school and pick ups/activities were more complicated.
We also knew that unrestricted access to things on a phone wouldn’t align with our goals because let’s be honest - Unrestricted access to internet and social media is hard enough for me, the adult.
I don’t like to answer the first question on the left. It’s up to you. Books we’ve enjoyed related to the topic would be Digital Nomad and Tech-wise Family.
Options we considered
Three options availed themselves for our first go:
T-mobile had a watch that was very well priced but what kid wants to look like a spy talking to their wrist. Also, no pictures.
Stripped down, old Iphone-limiting apps, features and screen time but this didn’t sound like a parent/control game I was ready to manage.
Gabb Wireless - Talk and text phone. Pictures and minimal apps plus it looks like a real phone.
Gabb Wireless Pros
The phone is clunky and the camera is poor but we are alerted of any alarming content, can track locations and other usage metrics. The alerts have given us a few opportunities to revisit our phone contract and ask about interpersonal issues that parents are grateful for an opportunity to navigate through with their child.
Our son can take pictures, text pics, play chess and check weather. There is a music add-on we have not done but at $25ish/mo we’re happy with what we have.
Gabb Wireless Cons
I’m not sure if this is a negative but sometimes he doesn’t even want to bring his phone because it ‘doesn’t do anything’.
It’s clunky on an android chasis and my online account doesn’t seem all the way synced up. We just recently figured out the extra apps we can add.
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