We’ve run through three screen-free alternatives that parents have praised
Toy Story 5 has shone a spotlight on children and their relationship with screens. And for many parents, it’s an issue we’re all too familiar with.
While technology has brought about lots of exciting advancements, there’s no denying that screen time is an increasing concern for parents of young children. It’s so much so that there have even been reports of increases in mums and dads looking to trade-in tablets as they hunt alternative ways to keep kids entertained.
There are several products out there designed to do just that, without the harmful effects of screens. We’ve picked out three.
Toniebox
Tonieboxes have been praised as fantastic screen-free alternatives to keep kids entertained. The popular screen-free audio devices have grown in popularity with parents, with kids enjoying listening and dancing along to their boxes for hours on end (I should know, my son always wants to play with his).
They are designed for children to place little characters on top (called Tonies) which then play music and stories to keep little ones busy for hours. They’re created with youngsters in mind, meaning they’re robust, squishy and tumble-proof.
The battery lasts around 7 hours, and the boxes also have a headphone jack. One buyer noted the “only downside is that big-name Tonies like Frozen, etc., do not have the original film voices”.
Where to buy
Yoto Player
The Yoto Player is a screen-free device designed for children aged 3-12+. Users simply pop in Yoto cards and ‘let the fun begin’ with stories, music, learning and adventure in a safe, kid-friendly way.
Yoto boasts an ever-expanding library of more than 1,000 audio titles, ranging from childhood classics like The Gruffalo and the complete Harry Potter series to iconic music from the Spice Girls and the Beatles. Alongside Yoto’s licensed content, there is also Yoto Studios.
This produces Yoto Originals content that’s created by an in-house team whose mission is to create inspiring audio for kids of all ages, achieved by working with world-class authors, award-winning musicians, creatives and sound artists.
My son Teddy tested one out, and we found it a fantastic product to help tap into your child’s imagination without the need for a screen. The one thing to note is that parents will need to take care to make sure it isn’t dropped.
Where to buy
Voxblock
The Voxblock takes things a step further in that, unlike other popular story cubes for kids, Voxblock is completely connectivity-free, with no apps or need for Wi-Fi, it can be used straight out of the box with no set-up required.
It focuses on books, with physical blocks that snap into place. There are hundreds of books in the Voxblock library to choose from.
The device has both built-in speakers and a headphone jack, and the battery lasts around 14 hours of playtime.
Where to buy
Amazon – £59.99
