In Praise of Slow Apps For Kids

As busy big people, there’s something appealing about the idea of “slow culture”. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to change the pace of how we work, play, and live? It could mean giving ourselves permission to pause, to appreciate, to relax, and in a lot of cases, to think. It would allow us to reflect, to enjoy, and to rest, and it’s a welcome change in what is often a hectic, fast-paced world.

Just as adults need this, kids do too. They need it in all aspects of their lives, from what and how they eat, to how they learn, to the way they are entertained. They even need it when they’re online, engrossed in games, apps, and digital materials. Yes, even with a clicky-flashy device in hand, a kiddo can (and should) be taught to slow down, and there are “slow apps” out there that are more than just frantic flash and sparkle, and that are still engaging and exciting.

So, what might a slow app look like?

·      It could include storytelling, with or without narration, and opportunities to pause, go back a few pages, and to read again.

·      It might have games and activities that encourage reflection and critical thought, along with opportunities to create.

·      It could be built with games and activities that allow for co-play with family members, especially if these activities encourage discussion.

·      It might include content that keeps going when the device is turned off, and it might make suggestions for offline, outdoor adventures, art projects, or journaling.

·      It could have space to create and store work, to return to it later, and share it with others.

What benefits are there to using slow apps?

·      Slowing things down leaves time and space for children to develop a variety of thinking skills. There’s a lot to be said for media that asks for more than just quick reactions!

·      Going at a more moderate pace also encourages the development of social-emotional skills like patience, perseverance, and self-regulation.

·      We should never discount the physical benefits of sitting still and being present. Having a device in their hands doesn’t mean a child is relaxing.

·      Slowing things down sends a child them message that there are worthwhile and important parts of life that take time and are worth their focus and attention. This lesson can spill into many other parts of their lives, like developing a love of reading, connecting with nature, taking part in a sport, or learning technical skills.

·      Slower apps can also encourage sharing with others, as well as intergenerational play.

·      This approach can also give learners ownership of their playtime. The game isn’t just happening to them, they’re a huge part of it.

None of this is to say that kids should be spending all (or even just more) of their time online. It’s more about being choosy about what and how they play, what materials we engage them with. Kids, like adults, deserve to have quiet time carved out for them, to rest, relax, and reflect, and even their time spent in the digital world can embody this.

If you’re keen to try ways to slow down your child’s screen time, and give them time and space to think, check out our lineup of slow apps!