Pinwheel launches Wi-Fi landline to curb children’s screen time
The Pinwheel Home targets children aged five to ten with two models starting at $68, positioning itself as a screen-free alternative to smartphones in markets where parents and regulators are increasingly concerned about digital wellbeing.
Kid-focused technology company Pinwheel has launched Pinwheel Home, a Wi-Fi-enabled landline phone designed specifically for children aged five to ten. The device is positioned as an introductory communication tool, offering voice-only connectivity to allow young users to stay in touch with family and friends without the distractions associated with smartphones.
The launch addresses a growing segment of parental demand for screen-free communication options. Research from the University of Georgia has linked excessive social media use to weaker vocabulary development in children, while broader studies have connected heavy screen time to emotional and behavioural challenges. This context has prompted jurisdictions such as Australia to restrict social media access for children, with the U.K. announcing plans for similar measures.
Pinwheel Home operates over Wi-Fi, removing the need for traditional phone jacks. The product is available in two models: the Spark, starting at $68, and the Classic, priced at $79. The Spark is available in white, black, blue, and purple, while the Classic features a retro-style handset with customizable stickers in pink, black, and white.
Parental oversight is managed through the Pinwheel Caregiver Portal, which allows caregivers to approve contacts, block unknown callers, and set calling schedules. Speed dial and voicemail are included, with future updates planned to introduce three-way calling and integration with Pinwheel’s existing watches and smartphones, allowing children to use a single phone number across devices.
The device competes directly with Tin Can, a $100 Wi-Fi-enabled landline for children that also offers parental management features. Pinwheel Home is available now via the company’s website and is expected to launch on Amazon this fall. Monthly service plans for calling standard numbers start at $6.99 for up to five approved contacts, or $9.99 for unlimited calling, while calls between Pinwheel Home devices are free through the Pinwheel Circle service.
