A New Tool to Help Parents Reduce Kids' Screentime

Kathryn Swegart introduces Yoto, a screen-free audio device that lets kids enjoy audio storybooks, riddles, and more, with no connection to the Internet.

Since the advent of Smartphones in 2010, research has shown health risks associated with too much screen time for children. Recently, I learned of an invention that offers a positive alternative. It is called Yoto.

What is Yoto?

That’s a fair question, one that I had last Christmas upon visiting my son and his busy family of five young children. Blessed to live in northern New England where children enjoy sledding, skiing, and snowball fights, they also wage another battle inside their renovated farmhouse on a hill.

Like many families, my son and his wife are vigilant about reducing screen time for their children. Classic hardcover children’s books are tucked in handy bookshelves or piled in a cozy book nook for the little ones. Every Friday they have a family movie night.

All of these strategies have worked well over the years. On a recent visit I noticed a new tool in their anti-screentime toolbox. It is called Yoto, a screen-free audio device powered by physical smart cards—it's not connected to the Internet at all. Fascinated, I watched as my grandchildren listened to classic stories like Make Way for Ducklings and The Magic Treehouse book series. I listened to a kid-friendly podcast in which a man with a delightful British accent told riddles and played Simon Says.

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Yoto was developed in 2015 by two friends, Filip and Ben. Both were concerned about the negative effects of too much screen time on their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics had warned of the dangers of excessive screen time including obesity, sleep disruption, and attention problems.

Ben noticed that his children thrived at a nearby Montessori school. Part of the philosophy was to give children independence in exploring the world using physical objects. Could they invent a screen-free audio device with physical cards that are inserted by the child in the device?

As self-described “technophiles” with a specialty in digital music, Filip and Ben created a boxy prototype with a collection of smartcards. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, they launched their new business, selling out quickly. Their friend Tom, an industrial designer, improved the design, adding stereo and Bluetooth capacity. Families loved the product, and its popularity grew.

An ever-growing catalogue, filled with high-quality selections, is impressive. Bestsellers include Paw Patrol, Chronicles of Narnia, Animal Songs, My First One Hundred Words, and The Boxcar Children.

Dependence on screentime can be a tough habit to break. What a blessing for families to have a positive alternative that introduces children to an enriching world of entertaining music and classic literature.

Have you tried Yoto? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

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