As Keir Starmer announces a ban on social media for under-16s, we tested a gadget that could help doom-scrolling adults. The Brick, priced at £54, blocks chosen apps from a user's phone.
How The Brick Works
Users select which apps or websites to block in The Brick app and create custom modes for different moments like Work, Family Time, or Study. The phone is placed in The Brick and tapped to activate. When needed, the phone can be taken out and used 'with purpose'. The device is battery-free, requires no charging, and works with Android (version 12.0 or later) and iPhone (iOS 17.0 or later).
Journalist's Experience
Consumer journalist Bethan Shufflebotham reviewed The Brick for Birmingham Live. She vowed to reduce scrolling time as a New Year's resolution but found it difficult due to endless notifications and social media feeds. On her first day of blocking Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, she instinctively reached for her phone more often. Instead of her usual pre-work scroll, she completed a pilates workout. At work, she was more productive, whizzing through her to-do list without getting lost on feeds.
By day three, reaching for her phone felt less automatic. She no longer picked it up out of boredom or carried it everywhere. By the final day, her family and fiancé noticed her phone wasn't glued to her hand, leading them to download the app. However, she noted that The Brick is not ideal for those who need frequent access to blocked apps for work.
Bethan concluded: 'Within five days, I’d almost halved my screen time to three hours and 25 minutes. Now, my whole family is hooked on the nifty little device.'
Alternatives and User Reviews
Alternatives include the Locked Tag (now £32, was £43), which is battery-free with no subscription and works with multiple devices. Amazon also offers a Padlock App-Blocking Device for £39.98, which blocks apps digitally.
One father said: 'Brick has helped me not play games as much on my phone as before and use social media as much.' Another user reported: 'This device has changed my life. I used to have brain fog every day. I ran a 10k, started reading books. Brick helped me take control back.' A third user added: 'One of the best things I’ve ever bought. Complete game changer over using an app.'
Government's Stance
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'We’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children.' Technology Secretary Liz Kendall added: 'We are taking power away from the tech giants and putting it back in parents’ hands.'
