Research has revealed that more than 75% of parents feel keeping their child safe online is an impossible task, with many youngsters spending hours glued to their phones every day. In response to growing concerns, online parenting forum Mumsnet has teamed up with UK tech brand SafetyMode to co-design new child safety software aimed at giving parents greater peace of mind.
Addressing Parental Concerns
The collaboration comes after research found that more than 90% of Mumsnet users believe smartphones are not safe enough for children, while 86% worry about the impact devices are having on their child's mental health and attention span. The software was created in response to parents calling for safer defaults and stronger parental controls.
Available to download for free on Android devices, the AI-powered technology monitors, filters and blocks harmful content, including nudity, bullying and explicit language. It works across all apps installed on a smartphone, including popular platforms used by children such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, Roblox and YouTube.
How SafetyMode Works
It also offers parental controls, including location tracking and the ability to restrict certain apps and websites. However, what distinguishes it from rival products that block entire apps or depend on keyword filters is that SafetyMode possesses the ability to read context.
The software is sophisticated enough to differentiate between casual conversation and a concerning exchange, sending real-time alerts to parents only when something genuinely warrants their attention. Importantly, the app's AI processing takes place directly on the device itself, meaning no images, messages or data ever leave the child's phone, according to the Express.
Download and Pricing
SafetyMode parental software is available to download free on Android smartphones, while parents can also buy the specially designed OtherPhone pre-loaded with a host of child safety features. SafetyMode is designed for Android smartphones such as Samsung and Google and is available to download free of charge from the Google Play Store. Parents can also upgrade to SafetyMode Plus for £5.99 per month to unlock additional features, such as the ability to manage permissions and filters remotely via a web dashboard.
For those without an Android device, the software remains accessible through SafetyMode's own handset, the OtherPhone. Developed in partnership with Mumsnet and Nothing Technology, this phone comes pre-loaded with SafetyMode software, offering all the aforementioned safety features.
OtherPhone Features
Parents can additionally activate a minimalist 'boring by design' home screen to discourage addictive scrolling habits, with the SafetyMode Plus upgrade available here too. Once a child is older and ready to spread their wings, SafetyMode can be removed from the OtherPhone, converting it into a standard smartphone.
Parents can purchase the OtherPhone pre-installed with SafetyMode for £279, which comes with three months' free access to SafetyMode Plus. It is worth noting, however, that a SIM card may need to be bought separately should children wish to make calls and send texts without an internet connection.
Giffgaff is one network offering a range of monthly rolling SIM plans with no contract required, starting from £10 on its 40GB tariff. Child-friendly devices are available from a variety of brands, including Amazon, which stocks a child-friendly version of its widely popular Fire tablet.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet features an array of parental controls for £69.99 (was £149.99), and also comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, granting unlimited access to ad-free, age-appropriate content.
User Experience
Regarding the OtherPhone, Mumsnet's Becky K and her 10 year old son put the handset through its paces over a weekend. She described it as a 'solid' first smartphone that delivers peace of mind, without feeling overbearing or restrictive.
"The OtherPhone is a solid, well-built first smartphone that feels surprisingly premium for £279," she said. "The design is sleek, it runs smoothly, and the camera is impressively sharp for the price. Most importantly for parents, the parental controls and optional SafetyMode Plus features make it genuinely easier to use."
However, Becky also highlighted that configuring the OtherPhone can be somewhat challenging for those more familiar with Apple iPhones. She noted: "Because my older child and I both use iPhones, and the OtherPhone runs on Android, I found the process a little less straightforward than Apple's Family Sharing system."
Despite this, she continued: "I would absolutely recommend the OtherPhone to other parents looking for a first phone for their child. It's well-priced, thoughtfully designed and gives peace of mind to parents without feeling overbearing or restrictive for kids. A big plus is the flexibility - you can use the phone on its own, or choose to add SafetyMode Plus if you want additional monitoring and controls."
