Gabb, all the way. I’m actually a teen myself (yeah, not a DC parent… haha.) BUT, as a user of the phone itself I think my opinion is valid.
Basically, Bark “babies” your kids, building no real responsibility, and Gabb keeps your kids safe by not taking private information to alert parents about POTENTIALLY suspicious behavior. Bark is for people who would rather their kids not trust them to tell them information and instead opt for Bark’s AI telling the parents all about the kid’s activity. Bark’s idea is very noble indeed, yet it falls a little short in reality.
Also, the point of a safe phone for kids IS no social media. So why does Bark allow social media? Bark won’t protect your kids from everything, and neither will AI. Plus, Bark is wayyy more expensive… Also? Gabb has more options for devices like watches and stuff. Not to mention that on Bark’s website they review apps like Peekaboo, CapCut, and Steam, all giving them “not very safe” ratings. YET THEY ALLOW YOU TO DOWNLOAD THOSE APPS ONTO YOUR PHONE.
So yeah, Gabb is pretty great.

Gabb music is meh, but their 70’s Playlist rocks.