There were alarm clocks that “help you break up with your phone,” kid-safe smart watches, and software that alerts parents to bullying.
All were on display for parents and kids to explore at the first ever “Alternative Device Fair,” held on Nov. 18 at Rye Recreation’s Damiano Center.
The event, sponsored by The Rye Youth Council and IRL Rye, was planned to give parents a place to explore alternatives to typical smart phones.
“While researching for the Alternative Device Chart on our website, we quickly realized that the devices vary greatly and don’t lend themselves to an apples-to-apples comparison,” said Emily Wells, co-founder of IRL Rye, a parent-led group concerned about tech oversaturation.
“Additionally, a feature that’s a highlight for one family could be a dealbreaker for another,” she said. “So, we decided the best way to serve the community would be to gather as many of the devices as possible into one room, with representatives from each company to showcase them and answer questions.”
With more than 300 people passing through, the event surpassed the expectations of both hosts and the vendors, and reflected how concerned parents are about traditional smartphones.
Bill Brady, CEO of Troomi, a kid-safe phone that supports digital wellness, spoke with dozens of families interested in his product.
“We are in the middle of a sea change moment in which more and more families are putting a stake in the ground and saying, ‘We’re going to do things differently,’” Brady said. “That attitude of intentionality and hope for a better way forward with kids and tech was evident at the weekend’s gathering.”
Lori Kun, Vice President of Community Impact with Gabb, a company that builds safe phones and watches without social media or a native internet browser, told a group: “It’s so great to chat with parents who realize that safe tech for kids can help their children be more independent and get out to real life beyond the screen. None of us are anti-tech, but about tech in steps, going from a watch to a first phone to a teen phone. It’s all about the right tech at the right time.”
Visitors were able to try the products, and learn about them directly from those who had created them, because many of the tables were staffed by CEOs.
Lauren Tesoriere, Co-Founder of IRL Rye, said participants were so pleased with the event that she already has received calls from schools and companies looking to replicate it.
