https://cdn.gabb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Gabb-Watch-3-Hero-Product-Image-Lifestyle1-1024x576.png
Inside Gabb
5 min read

Introducing “Tech in Steps”: A New Approach to Kids and Technology

By Josh Ruggles

Originally published November 2, 2023

In an era where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, we’re working to reshape the way kids and teens interact with the digital world. At Gabb we’re on a mission to redefine the relationship between young minds and technology through Tech in Steps.

A Different Approach for a Different Future

Gabb is fueled by the belief that kids and teenagers deserve a unique connection with technology—one that safeguards their mental health and fosters healthy development. This is grounded in data showing that an early inundation of technology can lead to lasting negative consequences. Instead of rushing into an all-encompassing digital experience, we envision a future that thoughtfully introduces technology to children at the right time and in the right measure.

Prioritizing Safe and Healthy Engagement

At the heart of Gabb’s philosophy is the commitment to promote safety and well-being for children. We understand the concerns of parents who want their children to stay connected while ensuring their protection from the pitfalls of an increasingly digital world.

Gabb empowers kids with secure independence, granting them the freedom to explore and learn, all while offering parents the peace of mind they rightfully deserve.

Empowering Growth without the Risks

Our approach is simple: Provide kids and teens with a range of flexible technology tools that cater to their unique needs at every stage of their journey.

Unlike social media platforms and potentially harmful apps, Gabb’s devices and software are thoughtfully designed to nurture personal growth without the inherent risks. This way, young individuals can focus on discovering their full potential without compromising their safety and well-being.

Tech in Steps: Guiding the Way

Tech in Steps is our guiding principle—an innovative philosophy that takes children and teens on a gradual journey through technology. By aligning our products with their developmental stages, we ensure a measured and mindful introduction to the digital world.

This approach acknowledges that kids’ technology needs evolve, and their interaction with devices should reflect these changes.

We are deeply committed to providing the stepping stones kids and teens need to build a healthy and enriching relationship with technology. We firmly believe that by introducing tech in a measured, thoughtful manner, we can create a generation that is not only tech-savvy but also mentally resilient and socially aware.

Together, let’s shape a future where young minds thrive in a digital world filled with endless possibilities.

Tech in Steps: Devices and Plans

So how do Gabb products support Tech in Steps? Each product and service plan is designed to offer kids options for every stage of growing up. 

Devices

With kid safety as our priority, we provide safe mobile devices to equip children with the tools to responsibly navigate technology as they grow. Each device is thoughtfully designed for different stages of a child’s development from grade school to high school. 

gabb watch 3

Gabb Watch 3: The safe phone kids wear.™

As the first step in kid-safe tech, Gabb Watch 3 offers GPS monitoring, safe connection, and plenty of fun. Gabb Watch 3 is more than just a reliable phone—it’s the beginning of your child’s safe tech journey. 


Learn more about Gabb Watch 3.

gabb phone

Gabb Phone: The perfect first phone.™ 

The smart, safe, and ready-to-connect device for kids who are ready for their first phone, Gabb Phone is built for safe connection, and freedom to explore. Equipped with Gabb Essential apps, Gabb Phone brings more possibilities for kids ready for their first smartphone.

Get the details on Gabb Phone.

gabb phone 3 pro

Gabb Phone Pro: The safe phone built for teens™

The most adaptable Gabb device, Gabb Phone Pro adds an ever-growing list of Gabb-reviewed, parent-approved apps ready to meet your teen where they are. The premium device for teens is equipped with our best camera yet, faster processing speed, and plenty of other features that teens and kids will appreciate. 

Check out Gabb Phone Pro.

father and daughter looking at gabb watch 3

Plans

We know every family is unique, and we’re here to provide the access your child or teen needs, when they need it. Each plan is created to empower parents to ensure their child’s safety and connection.

See all the available plans. 

Starter

The ideal program for kids and teens that are just starting their tech experience. Enjoy a secure environment without internet access, social media, or app store. Gabb’s essential apps offer a protected introduction to technology. This plan promotes a safe and controlled experience, excluding group and image texting.

Standard

Our standard plan is perfect for responsible teens and kids who want more communication options. It includes essential apps like Gabb Music—the largest kid-safe music streaming service—group texting, MMS messaging, and a curated list of age-appropriate third-party apps that meet Gabb’s safety standards.

Advanced

The advanced plan is ideal for tech-savvy teens and kids who need flexibility in the access they require. They can enjoy a variety of Gabb-reviewed apps that are tailored to their preferences and needs and only added by parents through the parent portal. Plus, they will have access to a wide range of helpful apps for all stages of life, including data access for enabled apps.

Let us know what you think

The insight of parents has driven Gabb’s innovation from the very beginning. Do you feel it’s important to ease your kids into technology? What’s worked for you? What hasn’t? Let us know in the comments.

Let Us Come to You

Subscribe to the Gabb Now newsletter to get the top tech safety ideas, stories, and tips in a weekly 5-minute read.

Comments

  • What is Cyber Stalking? Cyber Stalking Definition Jan 12, 2024 01:03 PM

    […] addition to educating kids on the ideas above, parents can guide kids through tech in steps by giving them the right amount of access for their age and […]

  • Child Predators on Video Games | Keep Gaming Safe for Kids Jan 17, 2024 01:20 PM

    […] a tech in steps approach with your child. You know them and their maturity level, so provide a tailored […]

  • Inappropriate Emojis: the Complete Guide for Parents Feb 13, 2024 10:51 AM

    […] Prepare kids for more tech by checking in with them often and having frequent, open conversations. Making mistakes is part of growing up, especially when it comes to communicating. We can create better dialogue with our children by being aware of the terms and emojis they use.  […]

  • Laura Stankiewicz Feb 15, 2024 10:32 AM

    My son has a Gabb Z2. Is he able to get apps on thos phone or do we have to go to the Gabb pro phone? IF we have to o to the Pro phone..can we do a trade-in? Than you Laura

  • AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Parental Controls Feb 21, 2024 02:45 PM

    […] goal is to offer options that not only allow children to take their first steps into the digital world safely, but also provide parents with a hassle-free setup process, eliminating the need for complex […]

  • Gabb Feb 21, 2024 06:07 PM

    Hi Laura, great question! The Z2 does not allow 3rd party apps on it, if you are interested in that feature you can check out our Gabb Phone 3 Pro here: https://gabb.com/product/gabb-phone-3-pro/ Please let us know if you have any other questions, we are happy to help!

  • What is Omegle? How Kids are Talking to Strangers Online Mar 21, 2024 12:16 PM

    […] parental controls are appropriate for each stage of a child’s development. You may consider Gabb’s Tech in Steps approach, which helps parents by offering solutions that grow with your child. All of Gabb’s kid-safe […]

  • Gabb Apps | Essential, Parent-enabled, and Gabb Reviewed Apps Mar 28, 2024 03:49 PM

    […] you can find the most recent updates to Gabb’s app options. We’re also big proponents of taking tech in steps, so you can find an explanation of our different app categories. This should help you better […]

  • Gabb Phone vs. iPhone Parental Controls Apr 03, 2024 09:44 AM

    […] line with Gabb’s tech-in-steps philosophy, we offer three devices that were designed to give kids a gradual introduction to technology: Gabb […]

  • This company is building a safe tech playground for kids – Alumi Health Jun 01, 2024 12:10 AM

    […] also continue to see a strong response from parents to Tech in Steps (aligning products with developmental stages) and the kid-first approach to helping kids and teens […]

  • This company is building a safe tech playground for kids – GadgetGang Jun 01, 2024 12:45 AM

    […] also continue to see a strong response from parents to Tech in Steps (aligning products with developmental stages) and the kid-first approach to helping kids and teens […]

  • How to Block Website on iPhone Jun 04, 2024 10:38 AM

    […] some experience with responsible tech use, but earlier training and safe devices that facilitate tech in steps are a great way to get children used to […]

  • Noplace: Parent Guide to the New Social Media App Jul 09, 2024 04:49 PM

    […] are great tech options available now that give kids a more gradual introduction to technology and allow parents to tailor the experience to the needs of their kids. This means kids can start […]

  • What is Augmented Reality? Jul 12, 2024 09:03 AM

    […] method of teaching tech in steps lets you slow down the process and proceed with […]

  • Gabb Phone 4: The Perfect First Phone for Kids Jul 15, 2024 02:25 PM

    […] with all the phone options available to your child, it can be difficult to know where to start. A tech in steps philosophy introduces kids to technology a little at a time, rather than all at once. When they […]

  • What is Gabb? — Gabb Jul 16, 2024 11:34 AM

    […] At Gabb, we know kids can benefit from technology, but we’re driven by the belief that kids and teens need a different relationship with technology than adults. We aim for a different future for kids and tech — one that prioritizes safe and healthy tech engagement by offering the right tech at the right time. […]

  • The Best Phone For Kids With No Internet: Gabb Phone Jul 23, 2024 01:24 PM

    […] Gabb’s first innovation, the Gabb Phone Z1, was specifically created to give parents a safe phone option that does more and looks cooler than an old-school flip phone (so your kids actually want it). The latest evolutions of that — Gabb Phone and Gabb Phone Pro — comes from the same conviction that parents deserve better options when it comes to helping their kids learn tech in steps. […]

  • What is Sextortion? Meaning, Prevention, and Recovery Sep 09, 2024 01:32 PM

    […] a tech in steps approach with your kids so they can ease into the world of digital […]

  • Is My Generation Destined to Drown? Life in the Tech Deep End Sep 09, 2024 05:48 PM

    […] and we certainly won’t let it happen again. We know that we need technology for connection, but we’re not compromising safety to get […]

  • Minimalist Phone | Gabb Lite Phones Sep 09, 2024 05:49 PM

    […] functionality to match their child’s developmental stage, ensuring that they have access to the right tools at the right time without overwhelming them with unnecessary […]

  • Child Lock on Phone | Help Your Kids Stay Safe and Productive Sep 16, 2024 09:40 AM

    […] believes kids benefit from taking tech in steps. With our devices and service plans, parents can give their kids and teens a tailored tech […]

  • Gabb's Annual Holiday Sale | Free Gabb Phones Nov 13, 2024 12:39 PM

    […] the first step in kid-safe tech, Gabb Watch 3e is a device for kids that always stays with them, while safe monitoring and safe […]

  • Gabb's Black Friday Sale | Black Friday Deals at Gabb Nov 13, 2024 09:44 PM

    […] a new phone as a gift is as fun as receiving a new bike or game. We’re big believers in taking tech in steps and we firmly believe that parents know their children best, which means they know best when their […]

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Success!

Your comment has been submitted for review! We will notify you when it has been approved and posted!

Thank you!

Success!

Your comment has been submitted for review! We will notify you when it has been approved and posted!

Thank you!