Ask any parent about their children’s screen time, and they will express some level of worry about how spending too much time watching videos can negatively affect their young ones’ well-being and development. This has become an even larger issue in the years following the pandemic, which forced many children to spend more time indoors and isolated from their peers.
According to Peter Kakris, Co-Founder of Australia-based company LifeTech Balance, today’s children and teens are digital natives, meaning they grew up with digital technology. This makes them more prone to spending too much time on screens, which could lead to various problems, such as poorer language skills, socio-emotional issues, and weight gain. The full extent of these issues has yet to be determined, and experts are still exploring the possible long-term effects. Because no two families are the same, a one-size-fits-all solution will not be effective, Peter says. This means that families need a more flexible solution to the problem of excessive screen time.
Responding to this problem, LifeTechBalance developed the ScreenCoach app. Instead of a hard limit on kids’ screen time, the app is taking a different approach. Emphasizing the importance of making responsible decisions, ScreenCoach rewards kids with screen time in exchange for completing tasks such as house chores and homework. It teaches them that screen time is something that is earned rather than something they can have without limit.
Additionally, its pocket money manager function also helps children develop correct spending habits and teaches financial skills that will benefit them later in life.
Peter says that using ScreenCoach should start as soon as age 6 or 7, and those with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD can benefit from the app. While it may be harder to introduce ScreenCoach to older children who might have already developed negative habits, Peter says it can be phased in gradually. He adds that ScreenCoach was developed as a way to harmoniously settle disagreements over screen time between parents and children, resulting in better relationships.
“By completing tasks, such as unloading the dishwasher, children receive tokens as a reward, which acts as positive reinforcement, promoting desirable behavior,” Peter says. “This approach encourages children to adopt a healthier lifestyle that will serve them well in the future.”
LifeTech Balance also developed the ScreenCoach Box, which manages time on the TV and connected gaming consoles. The device can be updated by parents as their children grow up, making it a suitable companion for families with changing needs.
Initially launched in Australia, LifeTech Balance has seen significant success, and it has set its sights on the US and other international markets. ScreenCoach users in Australia have left testimonials about how the system has helped their families. One teacher says that ScreenCoach helped reduce her son’s screen time by half, making a huge difference in his physical and mental health. Meanwhile, a foster mother shares that her 13-year-old daughter had struggled with a screen addiction, and ScreenCoach helped her limit it to just one hour a day. This improved their relationship and the daughter’s school performance.
