Gabb 2024 Year in Review

As we look back on 2024, it’s clear that technology continues to reshape the world of today’s youth in profound and complex ways. From captivating new innovations to pressing concerns, this year saw a cascade of tech headlines impacting young people and their families. For parents, educators, and policymakers, it has become increasingly urgent to address both the benefits and the risks that come with modern tech.

Among the most concerning trends were dangerous TikTok challenges, where kids and teens found themselves tempted to engage in risky stunts for views, sometimes with alarming or deadly consequences. 

The digital landscape was also rocked by a series of high-profile lawsuits against major social media companies, as parents and advocates demanded accountability for the platforms’ impact on kids’ mental health and well-being. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. Surgeon General issued strong warnings about the effects of social media on young minds, urging families to limit screen time and be vigilant about the content kids consume online.

The conversation about tech safety wasn’t limited to social media, either. Deepfake technology reached new levels of sophistication, sparking fears over its potential misuse and leaving kids particularly vulnerable to non consensual manipulated media. 

Schools responded to these challenges with phone bans, attempting to give students a break from the pressures of social media and focusing instead on face-to-face interactions. Even the U.S. government began taking a stronger stance, with proposed regulations aimed at protecting kids online and new efforts to promote responsible tech use.

Amid these changes, artificial intelligence continued to evolve, introducing trends like virtual AI “boyfriends” and “girlfriends” that blurred the lines between real and digital relationships. These developments have raised serious questions about the role of AI in kids’ emotional and social growth and have sparked debate about the future of digital relationships.

As families, schools, and lawmakers adapt to this shifting digital world, 2024 underscored one thing clearly: navigating technology’s rapid advancements requires a collaborative effort. It’s a year that challenged us to look critically at how we integrate tech into our lives, particularly for the next generation, and to commit to finding a balanced and safe path forward.

Gabb has been working on making tech safer for kids for over 5 years now. It is encouraging to see the movement grow as more parents and kids wake up to the potential harms of tech misuse. 

Gabb’s highlights from 2024 (see below) all serve as evidence that we’re not alone in pushing to give kids a more appropriate introduction to the digital world. Thank you for being a part of the Gabb community!

6,944 Hours of Disconnecting to Connect

Gabb kicked off 2024 with a company-wide Digital Detox challenge in February. Employees pledged to reduce their smartphone use and engage in healthier, more intentional digital habits, setting an example of balanced tech usage. 

This initiative not only encouraged employees to unplug but also served as an inspiring reminder to families about the importance of disconnecting. The campaign gained traction among Gabb users and parents alike, reinforcing Gabb’s mission to foster a balanced relationship with technology.

5 New Kid-safe Products

This year, Gabb introduced Gabb Phone 4, Gabb Phone 4 Pro, Gabb Watch 3e, Safe Video Calling, and Gabb Music+. These new products offer safe connectivity and entertainment for families.

Gabb Phone 4

Gabb Phone 4 is an ideal first phone for kids, keeping things simple and safe while offering just enough features to keep them connected and engaged. With essentials like unlimited talk and text, GPS tracking, and built-in parental controls, parents can feel confident while kids explore communication. It skips internet browsing and social media, focusing on tools like messaging, music, and a camera. Designed for durability with spam blocking included, it’s a great choice for families looking for peace of mind and a fun first device.

Gabb Phone 4 Pro

Gabb Phone 4 Pro is tailored for teens, offering flexibility with a selection of Gabb-reviewed apps that parents can enable as needed, such as those for school, sports, or mindfulness. With 5G coverage, improved cameras, expanded storage, and advanced spam blocking, this device provides a safe environment for teens to connect and explore responsibly. Parents can easily monitor and customize the experience, making it a great choice for balancing independence with safety.

Gabb Watch 3e

This year we introduced Gabb Watch 3e, a new version of our popular smartwatch for kids. Significant upgrades have been made in setup simplicity, GPS tracking, battery life, and interface smoothness. While Gabb Watch 3e is a fresh product, owners of the previous Gabb Watch 3 can upgrade to this latest software for free, bringing their watches up to date with the latest features and enhanced functionality.

Safe Video Calling 

Gabb Messenger’s safe video calling feature offers kids an exciting, secure way to connect with family and friends while keeping their safety a priority. With one-on-one video calls available exclusively for contacts using Gabb devices, or for parents and guardians connected through the Gabb Messenger Parent app, children can enjoy a safer, more controlled video chatting experience. 

To enhance protection, Gabb’s smart monitoring system detects inappropriate content — if nudity is detected, the call ends automatically, the video calling feature is locked, and parents are promptly notified through the app or by email.

Gabb Music+ 

Gabb Music+, Gabb’s premium music streaming service curated specifically for kids, gives young listeners full control over their music experience. With Gabb Music+, kids can search for songs and artists, create personalized playlists, and download music on the go — all without ads. The curated library is free from explicit content, allowing families to enjoy the latest tunes without worrying about inappropriate lyrics or themes. In addition, we’ve partnered with Billboard to present a monthly chart tracking the most streamed songs on the platform. This collaboration showcases our dedication to providing a safe, age-appropriate listening experience that families can trust.

Gabb Now: Tech Info for Busy Parents

Launched in September, Gabb Now is a free online resource designed to help busy parents stay informed and confident as they navigate today’s fast-paced tech landscape. 

With research-backed insights, current trends, and stories that matter, Gabb Now equips parents with the knowledge they need to help kids thrive safely in a digitally connected world. 

It’s incredibly encouraging to know that more parents are dedicated to their kids’ digital safety. Seeing others share this commitment not only builds a sense of community but also reinforces that we’re not alone in our concerns. Our most popular articles for 2024 highlight what many parents are interested in learning about:

1. Teen Slang
2. What is Kik? 
3. Is Roblox Safe for Kids? 

New Lehi Headquarters and 700 New Jobs 

In June, we opened our new 30,000-square-foot headquarters in Lehi, Utah, marking a significant investment in Gabb’s future. The facility, designed to inspire innovation and collaboration, is a major milestone in Gabb’s mission to provide safe tech for kids and support the community with a commitment to create 700 new jobs over the next decade. 

Gabb for Good: Community Engagement 

Community service is a core part of Gabb’s company culture, and we’re grateful for the chance to contribute to causes close to our mission. 

This year, Gabb’s non-profit, Gabb for Good, donated thousands of dollars through impact grants to organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Wait Until 8th, and Show Up for Teachers. We also supported grassroots efforts with product donations to groups such as Girls on the Run, Spy Hop, and Choice Humanitarian. 

Additionally, our team members volunteered 697 hours with nonprofits like Ronald McDonald House, Junior Achievement, and Habitat for Humanity, reinforcing our commitment to positive community impact.

1 New CEO (For the Day)

Gabb gave their reins to their business operations to a 9 year old CEO… for a day. Nova from Naples, Florida uses the Gabb watch to stay connected to her family after overcoming a bullying incident that left her with a broken rib.

She excelled in her executive duties on December 3rd, including approving year end reports, fulfilling gift wishes for kids with disabilities at the Utah Parent’s Center, and gifting the office an old fashion popcorn machine that employees can enjoy for years to come.

Gabb Music curated a “Boss Beats” playlist to celebrate Nova’s leadership, which Nova gleefully deemed “approved.” 

Gabb Makes the Inc. 5000

In September, Gabb was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list as the 494th fastest-growing private company, with a growth rate of 895% from 2020 to 2023.

This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the support of parents like you who trust Gabb with your family’s tech journey. Thank you for being a vital part of the mission to empower families with technology that puts safety first.

As 2024 comes to a close, Gabb is proud to reflect on a year filled with growth, innovation, and meaningful impact. Through each milestone, we have stayed true to our vision: empowering families with safe, kid-friendly technology that enriches lives and fosters positive digital habits. 

Here’s to another year of leading the charge in safe tech for families everywhere!