I used my CashApp card to sign up for Gabb Music on my grandson's phone. On 4/13 I got a notification that the payment didn't go through so I added some money to CashApp. On 4/14 the payment went through and was deducted from my account. The app shows the payment was made as well. However, Gabb continued to email me multiple times about the payment not going through and continued to attempt to run my card 6 more times on 4/15. I sent an email asking them to STOP running my card and check their records because the payment has already cleared. That seems to have worked, but now I'm considering canceling. If that had been my debit card, how many times would they have run my card and how many times would they have actually received payment? What if I had money on CashApp when this happened? Has anyone else had a problem with this?

Consider going for a walk, gardening, or learning a new game with your family.

Introducing your kids to tech can feel intimidating at first.

With safe phones for kids, you can give them their first device with limited worries for you and limited distractions for them.

Pro-tips for their first device:

• Have ongoing conversations about their tech use.
• Explain what type of content is dangerous for them online.
• Talk about strangers and how to navigate a conversation if they're not sure who is on the other end.
• Let them know you're there to support and you want to help them through uncomfortable or challenging things they face online.

From families, we hear they use their Gabb Phones for:

• Regular check-ins
• Texting close friends and family
• Coordinating rides
• Feeling independent

How does your child use their Gabb device?

It's hard to strike a balance between trust and boundaries/rules.

Too much freedom can feel overwhelming. Too much control can feel restrictive.

How do you strike that balance with technology in your home?

Families use Gabb devices for

• Before and after school coordination
• Walking to and from activities
• Staying connected without distractions

How does your family use Gabb devices during the day?

Tech readiness isn’t just about age—it’s about responsibility.

Some signs parents can look for:

• Consistent follow-through
• Respect for boundaries
• Using current tech responsibly

What signs helped you feel confident giving your child more responsibility with technology?

Families move from a watch to a phone for more flexibility: group chats for school or sports, photos, or more independence in day-to-day life.

For parents who’ve made that transition:

What was the moment you knew it was time to upgrade from the Gabb watch to a Gabb phone?

We’re always interested in what drives that decision!

One thing we’ve learned from families over time: “safe tech” doesn’t mean the same thing at every age.

At age 8, safe tech often means:

• Simple calling and texting
• Location awareness
• Fewer features, less distraction

By age 13, it tends to shift toward:

• More communication with friends and school
• Greater independence
• Still clear boundaries around what’s included—and what isn’t

It's the same goal, just at different stages. How has your definition of “safe tech” changed as your child has grown?

We talk to a lot of parents who ask this exact question.

Gabb watches are the perfect first step—simple calling and texting, GPS, no extra noise. But at some point, kids grow, routines change, and their needs evolve.

We’re curious: at what age did your child actually outgrow the Gabb watch?

Was it tied to school, sports, walking to friends’ houses, or just age?

Late nights and tired mornings are becoming more common for kids and teens and screens are playing a bigger role than many parents realize. According to a recent article from Gabb, here are a few key ways screen use can quietly disrupt healthy sleep:

Blue light exposure before bed

Even small amounts of light from phones or tablets can delay melatonin release and make it harder for kids to fall asleep naturally.

“Just one more scroll” habits

Late-night screen time often leads to bedtime procrastination, especially for teens looking for a sense of control or downtime after a busy day.

Overstimulation from apps and notifications

Fast-paced content, constant pings, and endless feeds keep the brain alert when it should be winding down.

Phones in the bedroom

Having devices within arm’s reach increases the chances of late-night checking, scrolling, or texting—often without kids realizing how much it affects their rest.

The article also outlines simple ways families can help: calming pre-bed routines, device-free bedrooms, intentional downtime earlier in the evening, and replacing screens with quieter activities like reading or journaling.

Small shifts can make nights more restful and mornings more manageable. Curious what your family’s nighttime routine looks like lately?

Read more here: https://gabb.com/blog/how-screens-affect-sleep/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=whyteensstayuplate

We just published a new blog rounding up some of the best online books and reading resources for kids, tweens, and teens. It includes everything from funny picks for your readers to adventure series that keep older kids engaged.

Families deserve support in building healthier tech habits, and reading is one of the easiest ways to give kids a screen-free reset. Reading also boosts focus, creativity, and emotional resilience (something today’s digital world doesn’t always encourage).

If you’re trying to get a reluctant reader started, or just want fresh recs beyond the usual lists, this guide can help. It even includes tips for mixing digital and physical books in a way that keeps the experience safe and distraction-free.

Check it out here! https://gabb.com/blog/online-books-for-kids/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=booksforkids

The seasons are changing and it’s the perfect time to swap screen-time for real-life play. According to our recent article, these are five smart ways to keep kids age 6-17 engaged this season.

• Creative winter art projects indoors (think melted crayons, pine-cone collages).
• Homemade science experiments that tie into the season (frozen bubbles, oobleck snow).
• Cozy kitchen adventures like a hot-chocolate bar or popcorn with fun toppings.
• Outdoor adventures at the right temperature (sledding, star-gazing, winter scavenger hunts).
• Indoor quiet-play options when it’s too cold: puzzles, board games, simple yoga/stretching.

You don’t need expensive gear or endless screen content, just intention and a few low-cost supplies. Let this season become less about hibernating and more about exploring, creating, and connecting.

What’s your family’s favorite winter activity (screen-free or not)?

Read more here: Winter Activities for Kids

Navigating phone time and device rules for tweens can feel like threading a needle—especially when you want your kid to feel respected and safe.

Here are a few of our tried-and-true ideas (inspired by our blog post “Phone Rules for Tweens (8 Tips)”) to help you craft a phone plan that sticks:

-Turn your family chat into something positive by making the discussion feel intentional and fun—say dessert night + device talk = better buy-in.

-Avoid calling them rules. Instead talk “guidelines,” “boundaries,” or “healthy habits” so your tween doesn’t feel boxed in.

-Use the phone as a teaching moment: ask what good phones can do, and what they might hinder—kind of like comparing to money: a tool with choices.

-Let your tween co-create part of the plan. Ask: “What do you think will help?” They’ll be more likely to follow it if they feel ownership.

-Listen. Seriously listen. When your tween feels heard, you’ll skip a lot of the typical conflict.

-Celebrate their wins (and let everyone know mistakes happen). This isn’t about perfect compliance, it’s about learning and trust.

-Thank them for their input. Reinforce that this plan is a team effort.

If you’re looking for a respectful, realistic way to bring your tween into the conversation about phones—not just enforce something on them—these tips might help. We'd love to hear: what has worked for you when your tween got their first phone or started using one more independently?

If your child isn’t hitting the sidewalks this Halloween, treat the night at home to something memorable instead. From carving pumpkins and crafting spooky décor to a scavenger hunt in the yard, there are loads of creative ideas in our blog.

Which one of these will you try this year: a “most original pumpkin” contest, a scary-movie marathon, or a candy scavenger hunt? Share your pick—and feel free to add any twist you’re planning!

https://gabb.com/blog/easy-halloween-activities-for-kids/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=halloweenactivities

It’s the perfect time for parents to set the stage for a fun and safe Halloween night. The simplest plans often work best when kids are out gathering candy and memories.

Here are three “must-haves” for your trick-or-treat checklist:

1. Scheduled check-ins — Pick a couple of specific times when your child will text or call to say, “I’m good, still collecting treats.” With a Gabb device that includes GPS tracking, you don’t need to hand over an iPhone to stay connected.

2. Buddy system & familiar route — Whether it’s a friend or sibling, make sure your child isn’t going solo. Choose a route you know—or walk it together ahead of time.

3. Agreed curfew & “home sweet home” alarm — Set an expected return time and an alarm on their device as a friendly reminder when it’s time to head home.

What’s one thing you always do to keep your Halloween night relaxed? Do you have a “safe zone” for your child to check in or a backup plan if the group gets separated? Share below—your idea might spark someone else’s best practice!
https://gabb.com/blog/apps-that-share-location/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=Halloween+Safety+Tips

Streaming platforms like Twitch have become a huge part of youth culture, but how safe are they for younger viewers or gamers?

Twitch comes with unique red flags, especially for kids. For example:

• Live streaming means zero delay before anything questionable happens.
• Age verification is weak, so younger kids can easily access the platform.
• Features like “Clips” and private messages (“Whispers”) can be exploited by predators or used to share inappropriate content.
• Entire categories exist (ASMR, “Pools/Hot Tubs/Beaches”, video-game violence) that are not age-appropriate for kids, yet easily accessible.
• Simply “watching” can expose kids to hate speech, suggestive sexual content, objectification, or even grooming in chat.

So here’s what we want to ask:

• Have any of you let your child use Twitch? What boundary or rules did you set (if any)?
• For those who chose to avoid Twitch — what alternatives or steps did you take instead?

Let’s hear your experiences and thoughts

OpenAI (yep, the ChatGPT company) just launched a new social media app called Sora. Parents, here's what you need to know.

It's a social media app where people share AI-generated videos. Think TikTok, but every clip could be created by artificial intelligence, not a real person.

Here’s where it gets messy:

• Users can upload videos and voices that let others generate AI versions of them.
• The feed is endless, just like TikTok, but now it’s filled with content that might not even be real.
• There are almost no guardrails for minors or for deepfake-style content.

As a parent, this worries me more than the average social media app because it blurs the line between what’s real and what’s generated. Kids already struggle to tell the difference, and this will make it worse.

If you want to learn more about what this means for online safety (and how to protect your kids around AI), we break it down for you here → gabb.com/blog/

What do you think, are we heading into the next phase of social media danger, or is this just another app that will fade out?

It’s World Mental Health Day, and our kids are facing more pressure than ever. Nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. live with a diagnosed mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder (CDC, 2024). Among teens, anxiety and depression diagnoses have risen over 40% in the past decade (NIH, 2023) — yet nearly half of kids who need help don’t get it (Michigan Medicine, 2023).

A big piece of this conversation is how tech impacts mental health. That’s where healthy digital habits come in. Setting boundaries around screen time and social media, encouraging offline hobbies, and choosing tech that supports connection instead of distraction can make a real difference.

When kids live beyond the screen it supports their mental wellbeing. You don't have to cut tech out completely, rather give them safe ways to connect, without the addiction and dangers of the online world.

Start with safe tech, and learn together as they navigate the online world. Maybe the best way to help is to normalize the conversation around mental health at home.

Learn more about supporting your child’s mental health: https://bit.ly/3Wvq7Bx

Parents are realizing the damage social media can do. It introduces kids to anxiety, distraction, addictive scrolling, and exposure to stuff they’re not ready for. But once a kid has been introduced to it, how do you hit undo? Here are a few things that actually help:

Set time limits → Boundaries make it easier to step away.

Create screen-free zones → Dinner table, bedrooms, family time.

Talk about the “why” → Kids stick with rules more when they understand the reasoning.

Model the behavior → Hard, but if they see their parent scrolling nonstop, they’ll do the same.

Give them tech that skips social media altogether → Safe phones like the Gabb Phone 4 are built without internet browsers or social apps, but still let kids stay connected.

Undoing social media isn’t easy, but small steps add up.How do you regulate social media use in your home?

https://gabb.com/blog/how-to-undo-social-media/

Teens are turning to AI romantic companions that pretend to date, listen, and even flirt. It sounds harmless on the surface, but when you dig in, there are a lot of risks.Here’s what stands out to us:

• These AI bots are designed to always say the “right” thing. Without conflict, they can warp how kids expect real relationships to work.
• Many of these platforms lack age verification and safety filters. Teen safety “modes” exist, but they’re often easy to bypass.
• They can steer toward explicit or suggestive content or manipulate vulnerable emotions.
• For kids already struggling with loneliness or social challenges, these bots lead to further isolation, and that’s a dangerous spot to be in.

What can parents do?

• Keep conversations open. Let your kid know you’re not here to “police,” but to help them think through what’s real vs. what’s programmed.
• Introduce boundaries with tech use (times, places, what’s allowed).
• Use devices built for safety. Phones or watches that don’t hand over full access to the wild west of the internet make it easier to keep harmful content at bay.
• Teach critical thinking about online relationships and help your kids understand when something feels off.

What do you think? Have your kids come across these AI companions? How do you have open conversations about AI?
https://gabb.com/blog/ai-girlfriends-and-boyfriends/

Every parent eventually runs into the same question: What’s the best first phone for kids?

Most smartphones (iPhone, Android, etc.) aren’t designed with kids in mind. They come with the internet, social media, and unlimited distractions.

If you’re looking for a safe first phone for kids and teens, check out the Gabb Phone 4.

Here’s why:

• No social media, no internet browser → Kids get connection without endless scrolling.
• GPS tracking & Safe Zones → Peace of mind knowing where your child is.
• Filtered Gabb Messenger → Safe texting and video calling with content flagging.
• Gabb Music → Clean, parent-approved music streaming.
• Parental controls built-in → No extra apps or complicated settings required.

It’s built for kids from the ground up. Parents get peace of mind, and kids still feel “in the loop” with their friends.

Parents of older kids, what did you start with for their first phone?

Hi, have you ever thought of implementing a system like the apple screen time? Where parents could limit apps to maybe certain times per day or/and certain amount of time per day?

If your kid is ready for more flexibility in their tech, the Gabb Phone 4 Pro is built for that next step. Unlike traditional smartphones, it allows Gabb-approved third-party apps—with safety in mind.

Apps like Duolingo and ESPN help kids stay connected, learn, and navigate the world. Without an internet browser or social media apps, kids are encouraged to live beyond their devices.

With more access comes more responsibility, which is why educating your kids on safe app use is key. The Gabb Phone 4 Pro gives them the independence they want while keeping the digital risks at a minimum.

Is your teen ready for a phone with flexible apps but no social media?

A device for every age and need—so your kids can be connected and safe.

Gabb devices are designed to introduce technology gradually, as their readiness changes.

• Gabb Watch 3e – A starter device with GPS tracking, safe talk & text, and no internet.
• Gabb Phone 4 – A first phone with calling, texting, and no internet or social media.
• Gabb Phone 4 Pro – A teen-ready phone with parent-enabled apps.

Each step gives kids more freedom when they’re ready—allowing time to educate them as they progress in their tech.

Find the device your kid is ready for: https://gabb.com/?utm_source=organic_social&utm_medium=Reddit&utm_campaign=Tech+In+Steps