New App Helps Combat ‘Brain Rot’ By Interrupting Children’s Screen Time With Educational Entertainment

The battle against “brain rot” — Oxford University Press’ 2024 Word of the Year — is getting a new ally in children’s edutainment app Grogo.

Brain rot is defined by Oxford University Press as the “supposed deterioration of a persons mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”

Grogo, an innovative app aimed at children, seeks to transform how digital consumption impacts young minds by integrating education with entertainment. Geared towards children in grades 2–12, Grogo is a subscription-based platform created to mitigate the effects of brain rot. The app focuses on managing screen time while making learning both fun and engaging through innovative technology.

The app introduces Brain-Boosting Screen Breaks, providing interactive learning moments without restricting overall screen usage. Parents can set Grogo to interrupt screen time every 15–60 minutes. To resume regular app use, children must complete a quick learning task, with challenges focused on math, science, English, history, and even pop culture.

Unlike traditional screen-time management tools that simply limit access, Grogo uses Snackable Learning — short, engaging activities designed to build confidence and curiosity — to break up screen time with learning opportunities.

The introduction of Grogo comes as educators and parents grapple with concerns about excessive screen time and its potential cognitive impacts.

Now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Grogo offers a 14-day free trial, with subscription plans priced at $6.99 per child or $9.99 per family per month.