5th January 2022, Las Vegas – Tech-Break, an award-winning new invention that helps families reclaim quality social time by temporarily removing digital distractions, will launch in the USA at CES 2022.
Tech-Break is a physical solution to the disconnect in American families that’s caused by excessive screen time — family members lock away their gadgets inside Tech-Break, set the timer for their desired length of time, and enjoy spending quality time together with no digital distractions.
According to the New York Times, children’s screen time in the US doubled during the pandemic, with apps like YouTube, Roblox and TikTok proving hugely popular. A survey of over 3,000 parents in the US, conducted by Parents Together in early 2020, revealed 85% were concerned with their children’s usage of apps, games, and social media platforms.
Dad of three and British tech entrepreneur, Bill Stirling, imagined the concept for Tech-Break in 2019 when trying to encourage his family to enjoy screen-free time together. His children resisted with tantrums while Bill and his wife struggled to switch off from checking emails and social media. This led him to create a solution to help families like his own enjoy the benefits of technology while maintaining a healthy balance of screen-free time.
“As a tech entrepreneur, I firmly believe technology enhances our everyday lives,” said Mr. Stirling, “however, we only have to look inside our own homes to see the need for balance. Children in particular need to have time away from screens and it’s on parents to set an example of what healthy screen usage looks like. I know this is easier said than done however, as we have an ‘always on’ culture and children rightly question why they should turn their devices off when parents are still scrolling. As a dad and person in the tech industry, I felt responsible to create a solution that helps children in particular, enjoy technology in a healthy way.”
The concept has received praise from a leading British child psychologist, Dr. Amanda Gummer, as an effective method of implementing screen breaks and teaching younger children the importance of time spent offline.
“When children do something physical, like putting a device away in a particular place, it can help process and reinforce the routine,” said Dr. Gummer, “children thrive on routines as it gives them confidence and helps embed healthy habits.”
Our Family Reviews tested Tech-Break and found it helped their children enjoy other screen-free activities
Tiffany Shlain, Emmy-nominated American filmmaker and best-selling author of 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week believes Tech-Break could make a real difference to American families who want to go tech-free for a whole day each week.
“My book offers in-depth advice on how to prepare for your tech-free day and make the most of your time off screen with meaningful and fun outdoor and indoor activities. It will become your family’s favourite day of the week,” says Tiffany, “I love how Tech Break keeps the devices out of sight, out of mind for an hour, bedtime, or what I suggest in my book, a full day each week.”
Tech-Break has also partnered with National Day of Unplugging, an awareness campaign that promotes a 24-hour respite from technology annually observed the first weekend in March. Details for the event will be announced soon.
“One of the most effective ways to reverse the negative impact of tech burnout is to spend time connecting to something bigger than ourselves,” says Kim Cavallo Executive Director of
Unplug Collaborative, home to National Day of Unplugging, “our nonprofit organization suggests activities like scavenger hunts, spending time in nature, crafting, volunteering and other tech-free experiences that will take the focus away from screen time and make human connection the priority. Putting devices in a sleek, safe space, like Tech-Break, increases the odds that mobile technology will stay out of sight while we fill our time with meaning.”
Tech-Break has just received two Gold awards in the entertainment and entertainment accessory categories at the Mum’s Choice Awards by UK Mums TV.
Tech-Break will be exhibiting at booth 15691 at CES 2022, where product demos and accompanying materials will be available.
Tech-Break can be purchased online via Tech-Break.com and Amazon and is shipped in 100% plastic-free packaging.
