# Gamified Parental Controls The Marshmallow App Helps Reduce Kids' Technology Use By Joey Haar | Published 2017-05-01 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marshmallow-app References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/1/15500224/samsung-marshmallow-parental-controls-app-kids-gamify) & [play.google](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.android.familyctrl&hl=en) Modern parents know all too well the struggle of weaning their kids off of devices and digital games for even a moment, so the Marshmallow app uses the same [addictive strategies employed in kids' games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toddlr) to reduce tech use altogether. The new [parental controls system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shadowshot) effectively gamifies time spent off of devices, giving kids rewards for hitting usage goals. Like most other parental control apps, the Marshmallow app offers strong firewalls to block inappropriate content, and it can't be deleted without a parent's password. What sets the app apart is that is tracks children's use over time, and if those kids are able to limit their [screen time to the goals set](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moodshift) by parents (e.g. 'X' amount of screen hours per week,) they win points that can be converted into things like gift cards to spend in the Google Play Store. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Gamified Parental Controls:** Using gamification strategies in parental control apps to reduce children's screen time. - **Reward-based Screen Time Management:** Implementing reward systems for kids who meet screen time goals set by parents. - **Enhanced Content Filtering:** Utilizing strong firewalls to block inappropriate content on devices. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Parental Control Apps:** Developing innovative features and gamification strategies in parental control applications. - **Digital Parenting:** Providing tools and solutions for parents to manage and monitor their children's technology use. - **Online App Stores:** Offering gift cards and rewards for kids to spend in app stores based on their screen time management. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Positive Screen Management Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screentreat.md) - [Screen Time Reduction Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bepresent.md) - [Family-Focused Screen Time Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wondershare-famisafe.md) - [Gamified Children's Productivity Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childrens-productivity.md) - [Upgraded Parental Control Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parental-control-app.md) - [Gamified Productivity Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/get-productive.md) - [Child-Targeted Starter Smartphone Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screenable-app.md) - [Screen Time Management](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deepfocus.md) - [Anti-Distraction Smartphone Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jolt-app.md)