TextNow has introduced Yello!, a mobile phone designed for children getting their first device. The phone focuses on calling and texting, with parental controls that limit communication to an approved list of contacts.
“As a parent of young kids, the first-phone decision isn’t theoretical for me. I want my kids to be able to call a friend or let me know they’re on their way home, but I also want to feel good about what I’m putting in their hands,” said Derek Ting, CEO and Co-Founder of TextNow. “We built Yello! to rethink that experience entirely and create something that kids can genuinely be excited to call their own, while giving parents confidence in the transition.”
Through a dedicated parent portal, families can manage their child’s contact list remotely, with updates syncing directly to the device. Children can call and text only people on the approved list, and incoming calls and messages are similarly restricted to those contacts.
Yello! is designed to provide basic mobile communication without access to social media, an app store, or open web browsing. The goal is to give children a way to stay connected with family and friends while giving parents greater control over their first-phone experience.
TextNow cited research it commissioned showing that 28% of parents ranked restricting calls and texts to parent-approved contacts as the most important feature in a phone for their child, ahead of basic calling and texting capabilities.
“I’ve been the parent wrestling with when my child was ready for a phone and what that phone should actually allow them to do,” said Lindsay Gibson, Chief Operating Officer of TextNow. “That experience has shaped how we’ve approached Yello!. We’ve listened closely to what families say they want from this milestone and, just as importantly, what they don’t. Every decision is intentional, with the goal of giving kids meaningful independence without asking parents to compromise on their peace of mind.”
TextNow said it plans to use feedback from families to guide future updates to Yello!, with parents and children invited to share their experiences as they use the device.
Yello! is available now. Families can learn more and purchase the phone at www.textnow.com/yello.
About TextNow
Founded in Waterloo, Ontario, in 2009, TextNow is the largest ad-supported free wireless service in the United States, built on the belief that phone service should be more flexible, accessible, and affordable for everyone. TextNow delivers wireless service through an app, giving customers access to a new, free local phone number and nationwide talk and text. Those who need more can add wireless data on their own terms by the week or month, and change plans at any time. TextNow has offices in San Francisco and Waterloo, Ontario.
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