When we started on our journey with Rookie we immediately asked ChatGPT what would make a phone "safe" for a child. Here's what we got:
"Creating a safe phone for kids focuses on balancing functionality with features that prioritize safety, privacy, and control. Here’s what makes a phone safer for children:
No Access to Social Media or App Store: Limiting or removing access to social media apps and the app store reduces exposure to addictive algorithms, peer pressure, and age-inappropriate content, helping kids engage more mindfully and avoid the risks associated with certain online communities.
Parental Controls & Monitoring Tools: Parents need intuitive controls that let them monitor activity, set boundaries, and receive alerts without excessive surveillance. These controls should foster trust and gradual independence.
A well-designed phone for kids gives them age-appropriate features that foster independence within safe boundaries. Through a combination of parental oversight and design choices that prioritise safety, children can learn to navigate technology responsibly and develop a healthier, more positive relationship with their devices."
Now we all know ChatGPT is not always 100% right, but we feel it pretty much nailed our brief.
The first phone is carefully engineered with young users in mind, integrating every necessary safeguard to ensure a safe digital experience.
Unlike smartphones, the first phone is designed specifically for children and puts safety first, with features that minimise risk.
There’s no app store, no social media, and no access to inappropriate content. We are proud to introduce Rookie, our purpose-built browser, which offers a controlled online experience or "walled garden" as we call it, ensuring that kids can explore without exposure to unwanted content.
Every aspect, from the software to the physical design, acts as a “safety engine” for kids, ensuring they can start their digital journeys in a secure, nurturing environment.
