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 Clifford

What 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 exposure

This 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_io

Laura’s Links:

📲 Website
📲 Instagram: @themindfulgeneration
📲 Connect on LinkedIn

Brand Partnership & Listener Discount

This 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/all

Or 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. 💛