A small device called The Brick, priced at £44.75, is gaining attention for helping both children and adults cut down on screen time. Unlike app-based blockers that can be easily overridden, The Brick requires physical presence to unlock restricted apps, making users more mindful of their scrolling habits.
How It Works
The Brick is a physical block made with a high-grade magnet and anti-slip silicone base. It does not need Wi-Fi, batteries, or charging. Users tap their phone on it to block or unblock chosen apps. One Brick can work with multiple phones, making it suitable for families. Users can select which apps to block or create personalised modes for different parts of the day, such as blocking social media during work hours while allowing maps and emails.
Positive Feedback
Shoppers have praised The Brick. One said: “Actually changed my life. I would always get around the screen saver apps. I’ve been using this for 4 days and schedule feature I think has changed my life.” Another commented: “Great for kids and adults alike to set reasonable parameters around phone use. The extra step to unbrick it is a better guardrail than the option to ‘ignore’ a limit.”
Another user noted: “I feel so much freer from my phone! I love how the brick lets me still have apps on my phone while still giving me the ability to lock them up at different times of the day, limit the use of my phone and enjoy other things more!”
Considerations
Some users found that after the novelty wore off, they forgot to tap their phone on The Brick. Others noted that the number of apps that can be blocked at once is limited, requiring selective blocking. However, many still found it effective. One reviewer said: “I have spent more time gardening, cleaning, reading, walking, etc. because I cannot use certain apps on my phone. The environmental setup of having to go unlock it (versus just locking apps on my phone that I can change in my hand) makes this efficient for me.”
The Brick also offers a Mobile Phone Locker that can store 12 to 72 phones, with a lockable door and carry handle, for family events. The purchase includes free and unlimited access to the companion app with no subscription fees.
