In an era where parenting often feels like a performance judged in real-time by peers, social media, and the occasional stranger at the playground, one educational tech company is providing a provocative point of view: guilt-free screen time exists.
This week, Lingokids, a popular interactive learning app for children aged 2 to 8, launched its most ambitious U.S. campaign to date, The Trial by Lingokids, a multi-channel initiative that seeks to dismantle the shame surrounding screen time. At its heart is an emotionally charged short film that acts as a kind of cinematic social experiment, placing real parents on a metaphorical witness stand to confess their anxieties over child screen time decisions.
The campaign comes amid new survey data that paints a stark portrait of modern parenting. According to Lingokids, more than 74% of American parents experience guilt over their child’s screen time use. Yet, paradoxically, only 10% say they frequently talk to other parents about it. And while nearly 90% of parents do allow screens, almost half report feeling pressured to constantly entertain their children, adding to the strain.
“Today’s parents, compared to past generations, often prioritize emotional engagement, open communication, and understanding their children’s perspectives, while facing increased pressure and societal expectations,” said board-certified pediatrician Dr. Mona.
To bring that message to life, Lingokids teamed up with Piel Studios, Emmy-winning director Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Grammy-winning composer Fernando Velázquez to produce the campaign’s signature film. It features 11 real parents, unaware of the full scope of the project, candidly grappling with their own perceived failings as they discuss how they manage screen time in their homes.
The campaign doesn’t stop at storytelling. In April, New Yorkers encountered bold out-of-home installations prompting them to vote “Guilty or Not Guilty?” about their own feelings on child screen time decisions. It was an invitation not just to reflect, but to talk—a rarity in a culture where parenting often feels competitive rather than communal.
Indeed, nearly 50% of parents surveyed by Lingokids believe screen time can benefit their child’s development if managed correctly. And 40% cited “moderation” as the key principle.
Founded as an answer to the lack of high-quality, ad-free educational content in the children’s app space, Lingokids now offers thousands of interactive learning games, videos, and songs in a secure digital environment. Its design encourages self-paced exploration while giving parents peace of mind—a rare intersection in the digital parenting landscape.
As more parents seek solutions that balance the realities of modern life with their values, The Trial by Lingokids may just be the verdict many needed to hear: you’re not guilty, you’re human.
With more than 165 million global downloads, the Lingokids app is packed with thousands of shows, songs and interactive games that kids love. They’re all educational but also fun, which keeps kids engaged and excited to continue learning.
