Our unique kids coins are the simple solution to help families manage or limit their children’s screen time at home. The time tokens can be given out by parents and traded in by children for recreational (passive) screen time. Children can also earn the reward coins for good behaviour or they could be given as a form of pocket money! Families use them in lots of different ways.
Professors, doctors, scientists and teachers agree that establishing healthy screen time habits early on is the key to making sure technology doesn’t damage our children’s mental or physical health, social skills or chances of academic success.
But managing screen time without nagging or always being the ‘bad guy’ can be really tough. These coins for kids are a simple and fun way to teach and motivate children to take responsibility for managing their screen time in a very positive way so that they don’t become addicted to screens.
Designed by parents and tried and tested by families, it’s an easy and stress-free way to manage screen time at home.
We are proud to have received the backing of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health for our product. “The development of KidzCoins is a fantastic idea which will allow parents to hand over some responsibility to children themselves, teaching them the importance of time management as well as the need to live a balanced lifestyle.” – Professor Russell Viner
As featured on BBC Radio 5 Live and in The Sun newspaper
Latest research reveals that, by the age of seven, many youngsters will have spent what equates to one full year in front of a screen, rising to three by adulthood.
Cambridge University scientists believe that too much screen time seriously harms GCSE results with extra TV time having the worst effect on grades.
Even Apple’s co-founder and former Chief Executive, Steve Jobs, was concerned about his children’s gadget use so he limited their screen time at home.
Children should have daily screen time limits – Leading psychologist Dr Aric Sigman
Too much screen time is causing increasing psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety, in children – Public Health England
Children should have TV-free days or two-hour limits on the time spent in front of screens - The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice)
Limit children's screen time, expert urges - BBC News
Overload of screen time 'causes depression in children - Independent
Limit TV to help fight obesity, says NICE - BBC News
Teenagers who spend too much time watching TV or playing computer games achieve lower GCSE grades. The typical 14-year-old pupil, during the first year of a GCSE course, spends about four hours a day in front of a screen. Those who spend an hour more than that scored 9.3 fewer GCSE points – the equivalent of going down two grades, for example from a B to a D – Cambridge University
Parents struggle to limit children’s screen time - Action for Children
Online pressures creating ‘nation of deeply unhappy children’ - NSPCC
Social media is now third biggest worry facing British parents with bullying and drug abuse the top concerns.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8393769/parents-concerned-childrens-social-media/
Children are spending twice as much time staring at their smartphones than talking to their own parents, a survey has revealed. Startling figures reveal the average child now spends almost an entire day (23 hours) a week looking at their device but less than two hours a day talking to family. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6682103/Kids-spend-twice-long-smartphones-talking-PARENTS.html
The Association of Play Industries report says that children are choosing to watch TV, play games on laptops and tablets or spend time on social media over playing outside. https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1166609/call-for-childrens-screen-time-to-be-restricted-to-two-hours-a-day
Apple must investigate the dangers of iPhone addiction among children and make it easier for parents to control screen time, investors have said. The average teenager spends about 4.5 hrs a day on a smartphone.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jan/08/apple-investors-iphone-addiction-children
Being on a computer, tablet, games console or mobile phone is now a child's favourite way to play, according to a survey of 6-12 year olds
https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2017/11/06/children-choose-screen-time-as-top-playtime-activity/
Spending hours on social media affects ability in children to read emotion
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/too-much-facebook-causes-virtual-autism-claim-experts-1641051
Survival tips to help children navigate the technology battlefield
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/family/screens-teens-survival-tips-parents-technology-battlefield/
"It's all about balance....Persuade children to put down the iPad and pick up an actual pad. Swap clicks for bricks. Be less appy, more happy. Stop taking the tablets - or at least decrease the dose" - Michael Logan (The Telegraph)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/lego-dies-replaced-screens-can-kiss-goodbye-civilisation/
Children's Commissioner launches #digital5aday campaign to help families manage children's craving for screen time
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40840823#
Children as young as three are hindering their emotional intelligence by spending too long staring at screens instead of socialising with other youngsters, a study has shown.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/4055507/study-reveals-children-are-damaging-their-emotional-development-by-spending-more-time-with-devices-than-with-each-other/
Toddlers who spend up to three hours a day staring at smartphones, tablets and TVs could be at risk of developing screen dependency disorders later in childhood, according to psychologist Dr Aric Sigman.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/toddlers-risk-developing-tech-addiction-10530433
A dramatic rise in screen time is putting children's health at risk, according to a World Health Organization report. Experts warn teens are "slaves to handheld devices" with inactivity posing the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
http://news.sky.com/story/rise-in-screen-time-putting-childrens-health-at-risk-who-report-warns-10880927
Children who have limited screen time are at a lower risk of obesity and may also be better at managing their emotions
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4496546/Children-regular-bedtimes-likely-obese.html
Are your kids game junkies? KidzCoins highlighted in a double-page spread in the UK's most read newspaper - The Sun - as part of a feature on children's screen addiction
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/3343737/four-mums-reveal-how-their-kids-miss-sleep-meals-and-playing-with-pals-to-spend-more-time-in-front-of-screens/
A third of British children aged 12 to 15 admit they do not have a good balance between screen time and other activities.In the US, the problem has become so severe for some families that children as young as 13 are being treated for digital technology addiction.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/teenage-technology-addiction-smartphone-rehab-seattle-clinic-children-aged-13-mobile-devices-a7684356.html
Children's rocketing use of technology coupled with more lax modern parenting is creating an epidemic of poor sleep - Panorama investigates
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-39140836
Almost nine in 10 parents think gadgets get in the way of their time together as a family and more than half struggle to keep the dinner table a tech-free zone
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/technology-trumps-family-spend-four-9817802
Happy Birthday to us! It's our 1st birthday at KidzCoins and what a year it's been. Thank you to everyone for all your support over the last 12 months.
Spending hours staring at screens is a more dangerous pastime than the perilous activities carried out by the children in Swallows and Amazons, academics have said.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/12/30/screen-time-dangerous-children-activities-swallows-amazons-warn/
A group of leading authors, educationalists and child-development experts is calling on the government to introduce national guidelines on the use of screens, amid concern about the impact on children’s physical and mental health.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/dec/25/experts-call-for-official-guidelines-on-child-screen-use?CMP=share_btn_tw
Tech gadgets are replacing traditional Christmas stocking presents, according to Barclaycard
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4015496/Tech-gadgets-replacing-traditional-Christmas-stocking-presents.html
Parents who want to see their children become happier and more well-adjusted socially are better off severely limiting their exposure to smartphones and tablets, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3867960/Top-pediatricians-say-limiting-kids-time-smartphones-tablets-hour-day-banning-screentime-completely-18-months-makes-happier-children.html
Almost half (45%) of young people are checking their mobile phones after they have gone to bed, according to a poll carried out by Digital Awareness UK and the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-37562259?ocid=socialflow_twitter&ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbcnews&ns_source=twitter
Safety group Internet Matters warns that the start of the school academic year is the "perfect storm" for cyberbullying, as searches for information about online abuse skyrocket, coinciding with children getting smartphones and greater means of communicating with each other online http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-3808882/Campaigners-warn-cyberbullying-rise-start-new-school-year.html
Busy mums and dads admit they prefer screen time to calm their kids rather than reading them a story and tucking them in for the night. Research shows that almost half allow their youngsters to watch TV at bedtime, with a further 28% allowing them to play on iPads, phones and laptops before they go to sleep http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/three-quarters-parents-shun-childrens-8888347
if we want our children to read for pleasure and unlock the benefits that come with this, we must limit screen time - both to make space and time for reading, and to help our children to focus and concentrate on enjoying a good story - BookTrust http://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-blogs/blogs/booktrust/1009/
Today's four-year-olds often 'not physically ready' for school, early years specialists warn, as iPads and screens are all contributing to a decrease in child mobility that can impact on academic learning http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/school-age-four-year-old-children-not-physically-ready-experts-warn-a7220476.html
According to researchers, technology affects muscle development in children
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3672856/iPads-stop-child-s-muscles-bones-developing-properly-Young-upper-limbs-three-times-playing-conventional-toys.html
KidzCoins has produced a free downloadable Screen Time Contract and Certificate for you and your family to use on National Unplugging Day. Click here to print off a copy:
http://kidzcoins.co.uk/uploads/kidzcoins-unplugging-contract.pdf
Millions of youngsters are missing out on traditional family lifestyles because they spend 32 hours every week using technology
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3659513/Millions-children-missing-traditional-family-lifestyles-spend-32-HOURS-week-screen.html
With the long summer holidays around the corner, steps need to be taken to discourage children from spending all their free time in a screen-induced haze
http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/gadgets-electronics/stories/dont-let-kids-spend-summer-days-screen-induced-haze
Young people are becoming increasingly sedentary which is damaging their posture, resulting in more children under 16 seeing chiropractors with back and neck pain. Technology is often the cause.
https://t.co/CDDHHoDi75
Parenting experts are warning that digital devices are harming relationships, stopping youngsters from developing face to face communication skills and teaching children that disappearing into digital devices for hours is OK. National Unplugging Day on June 26 asks us all to go back to the good old days before technology by putting down our smartphones, tablets and computers for 24 hours to experience life unplugged.
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/family-matters/210384/switch-off-from-technology-and-rediscover-being-a-family/
KidzCoins is proud to be supporting the UK's largest digital detox on Sunday 26 June by urging families to #GoGadgetFree on National Unplugging Day.
With growing concerns about the impact of too much screen time on children's mental and physical health, social skills and chances of academic success, it is hoped that the one-day campaign will prompt families to think about their ongoing use of gadgets and screens.
KidzCoins is a positive way of teaching children to regulate their own screen time behaviour to prevent addiction issues arising in the future and is backed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health as well as TV psychologist Dr Arthur Cassidy.
Gail and Vanessa from KidzCoins said: "Anything that shines a spotlight on the impact of screen time on family life is a positive step and we are delighted to offer Gemma Johnson at National Unplugging Day our support."
More information: www.NationalUnpluggingDay.co.uk
A top child psychiatrist from The Priory has urged parents not to use iPads and iPhones as digital dummies during the summer holidays
http://nationalunpluggingday.co.uk/2016/06/16/the-priory-clinical-director-urges-parents-not-to-use-ipads-and-iphones-as-digital-dummies/
Thank you to everyone who supported our NSPCC Big Board Game Day campaign by entering our competition to win Monopoly Empire games courtesy of Hasbro. Congratulations to our winners: Twitter: @wotstarmagic Facebook: Jennifer Derry Instagram: wishartharriet
Thanks to one of our customers for this feedback: "With 2 boys seemingly interested only in their screens, these coins changed their behaviour instantly. We introduced them as rewards so they now have to earn screen time. They monitor their minutes carefully and when their time is up, they turn their appliances off without the usual fuss and drama. They're both keen to suggest coins for each other if they feel they do something worthy of a coin! Such a simple but effective system and extremely good value for money."
Gail and Vanessa would like to thank all those who bought packs of KidzCoins over the last 2 weeks. We have donated 50p to the NSPCC's Big Board Game campaign for every pack sold during that time. Thank you for your support.
Thrilled to receive this from 10 Downing Street: "I was delighted to hear of the success KidzCoins is enjoying and would like to congratulate you on all you are doing to teach children how to manage their time effectively."
Thank you Prime Minister for your "warm regards and best wishes for the future." We hope the KidzCoins we sent you help with your family screen time issues.
We always value our customers' feedback. Thanks for this Mrs M!
"This simple but brilliant idea works. After a couple of weeks the kids come home and instead of reaching for the tablet computers have been making dens, models, EVEN HOMEWORK. They are managing their own screen time by earning it, and this week I still haven't had to top up their quota from last Sunday! You make your own rules and as long as they are age appropriate and realistic you really can't go far wrong."
Dear Prime Minister, we prefer a more positive approach to managing children's screen time at home, so we're sending you a complimentary pack of KidzCoins for your family.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/04/david-cameron-bans-his-three-children-from-playing-with-electron/
3 out of 5 parents say their child is using a touchscreen digital device before they've said their first word
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3575462/Talk-technological-literacy-Young-children-work-tablets-phones-SPEAK.html
Natasha Devon MBE, the Government's mental health champion for schools in The Telegraph - Children have less of what they do need...Family time that is spent together is spent staring at a screen.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2016/04/28/bullied-children-are-being-wrongly-medicalised-expert-warns/
Thanks to award-winning blogger Sonia @Mummy_loves for this Mums in Business feature:
http://thismummyloves.com/mum-in-business-gail-and-vanessa/
TV psychologist Dr Arthur Cassidy has endorsed KidzCoins: "You have an amazing product which is changing lives and moving parents away from stress. It's a wonderful psychological product which has the potential to reduce child and teenage stress and increase positive mental health. Warmest congratulations."
Invited to do a live interview with BBC Radio 5 Live’s Peter Allen about KidzCoins and the impact of screen time on children’s lives. Linked to Army Reserve story about young people wasting time on screens.
Thanks to the Herefordshire parent who sent us this email: "I think you may have just transformed our pain of setting screen time for my boys."
Are children becoming too addicted to their iPads and mobile phones? KidzCoins featured on BBC Radio Kent’s Breakfast Show.
"Talking of good ideas....KidzCoins clearly has merits..." - Rex Cooper, Editor - Kent Profile magazine – www.kentprofile.com
"KidzCoins, created by two mums in my constituency, is a brilliant way for families to manage their children’s screen time at home in an easy and positive way. There is growing concern about childhood obesity rates and the impact screen time can have on family life as well as on children’s mental and physical health and chances of academic success. This parenting product, which has been tried and tested by local families, is a positive response to these concerns, enabling parents to teach their children to manage their own screen time responsibly and thereby encouraging a healthier lifestyle balance. I wish Gail and Vanessa every success with this venture" - Tom Tugendhat MBE MP, Member of Parliament for Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling
Gail and Vanessa were fed up of gadgets increasingly impacting on their families’ lives. Chatting to others over coffee, it became obvious that it was a frustration shared by lots of other parents too. The caffeine kicked in and the two mums had a brainwave. That’s when KidzCoins was born!
The kids coins were launched after being bravely tested by their friends in the village of Wateringbury in Kent. It could have gone horribly wrong at this point, but thank goodness, it didn’t. Parents welcomed the concept and the children liked the coins – some didn’t even want to spend the coins on gadget time, preferring instead to save them!
Since launching in February 2016 the kids coins have featured in the press and on local and national radio and even got the backing of MPs and No.10! News about KidzCoins has spread far and wide with sales across the UK but also in the United States and Norway too!
Our dream is for homes to become a bit less stressy, for children to rediscover the excitement of real-life adventure as well as virtual entertainment and for parents and children to live happily ever after...or something like that. We hope KidzCoins bring your family a fairytale ending to screen time squabbles and telly tantrums.