Cosmo and Pinwheel Launch Child‑Friendly Devices as Parents Seek Smartphone Alternatives

Cosmo, a maker of kids’ smartwatches, surveyed over 2,000 parents who reported losing the equivalent of 48 nights of sleep a year to worries about their children’s screen habits. Seventy‑seven percent said they wanted a simpler way to keep kids connected without a full smartphone, and three‑quarters of those surveyed already had a child with a phone. Cosmo CEO Russell York described this “tech‑anxiety” and highlighted the company’s newest watch as a potential bridge before a child’s first smartphone.

Pinwheel introduced the Pinwheel Home, a retro‑styled landline phone for children aged 5‑10. The device works over Wi‑Fi, allows calls only to pre‑approved contacts, and includes parental controls that limit usage times. It has no screen, eliminating exposure to apps and social media. In the United States, pre‑orders start at $68 with an optional subscription of $6.99 per month for real‑number calling. Both products aim to give parents alternatives that reduce screen time while maintaining safe communication for kids.