The Best Smartphone Alternative for Kids: Screen-Free Tech with KARRI Founder Pete Clifford

Episode 5, Season 3: Screen-Free Tech for Kids - Rethinking Smartphones with KARRI Founder Pete CliffordWhat if parents could stay connected to their kids, give them the independence they crave and know they're safe - without a smartphone?In this episode, I’m joined by Pete Clifford, British dad, Berlin-based founder, and the mind behind KARRI - a screen-free voice messaging device designed specifically for children.What began as a personal parenting dilemma grew into a mission-led tech startup. Founded in 2023, KARRI is reimagining how families introduce technology, prioritising connection, safety and childhood over distraction and dopamine. The idea has already gained serious momentum, raising €2.1 million in pre-seed funding and sparking important conversations about kids, tech and digital wellbeing.Together, we explore Pete’s journey from frustrated parent to founder - and what conscious, child-centred technology can look like in a world that often moves far too fast for developing brains.In this episode, we discuss:👉🏻 How Pete came up with the idea for KARRI and the real parenting problem he was trying to solve👉🏻 Using KARRI as a “starter step” before a smartphone - supporting independence without overwhelm👉🏻 Why KARRI works so well for separated co-parents, sleepovers, family members from afar and everyday logistics👉🏻 How parents are learning in real time - navigating a digital world that wasn’t designed with children’s wellbeing in mind👉🏻 Pete’s honest experience of introducing WhatsApp, and what one difficult incident taught him about online exposureThis is an insightful conversation for any parent questioning when - or if - a smartphone is right for their child, and what healthier alternatives might look like.Pete’s Links:🌍 Website: www.karri.io📲 Instagram: @karri_ioLaura’s Links:📲 Website📲 Instagram: @themindfulgeneration📲 Connect on LinkedInBrand Partnership & Listener DiscountThis episode of Unlearning with Laura is brought to you by KARRI - the screen-free voice messenger designed to help children explore the world with confidence, while staying safely connected to the people who matter most.Loved by kids. Trusted by parents.You can pre-order the Messenger 2 (available May 2026) here:👉 https://karri.io/collections/allOr purchase the Messenger 1 now and receive 15% off with code MINDFULGEN15:👉 Click on this link where the discount has already been applied: https://g1.karri.io/collections/all?view=aa(Offer valid until 30/04/2026)If this episode resonated, please follow the podcast, rate and share it with another parent who’s struggling to decide what's best when it comes to smartphones. 💛Support the show