A novel device called the Tin Can is gaining traction among families and schools in the United States and Canada as a tool to reduce children's screen time. This landline-style phone, launched in April 2025, offers a simple alternative to smartphones, allowing kids to stay connected without the distractions of social media and the internet.
Priced at $100, the Tin Can has sold hundreds of thousands of units through word-of-mouth, according to the manufacturer, Tin Can Untechnologies Inc. The startup raised $3.5 million over the summer and secured a $12 million seed round in December led by Greylock Partners.
Features and Functionality
The device plugs into a wall outlet and includes a speakerphone, speed dial, and an answering machine. Calls between Tin Can devices are free, as are calls to emergency services. A $10 monthly plan enables calls to parent-approved external numbers. Currently, the device is available only in the United States and Canada.
Growing Demand Amid Screen Time Concerns
The Tin Can's popularity reflects increasing concerns about children's screen use. Governments and institutions are exploring ways to limit social media exposure among younger users. Australia has introduced a ban for those under 16, while in the United States, Meta Platforms Inc. and Alphabet Inc.'s Google recently lost a court case in Los Angeles related to claims of social media addiction impacting mental health.
Schools are beginning to adopt the device as part of efforts to reduce early exposure to smartphones. At Nativity Parish School near Kansas City, families received the Tin Can through a parent-led initiative. Around 95% of families with children from kindergarten to fifth grade have joined the program. Students use paper directories to keep track of contacts, echoing older communication methods.
“It’s hard for a lot of people to keep kids off of smartphones conceptually, but programs like this give them more tools so they feel like they can do it,” said Tracy Foster, the parent who led the initiative. She added that delaying smartphone use becomes easier when entire groups adopt the approach together.
School Adoption and Community Impact
According to Tin Can Untechnologies Inc., schools are now one of its fastest-growing segments, with thousands of administrators across the United States exploring bulk orders. In Los Angeles, St. James’ Episcopal School plans to distribute the device to its 220 families ahead of the summer break, encouraging children to stay connected without relying on group chats.
“We want our students to remain connected to each other and use this option rather than group texts or other ways they may have stayed in touch, which can sometimes lead to hurt feelings or having people feel left out,” said Jules Leyser, the school’s director of advancement and communications.
Founder's Vision and Company Growth
The device was created by chief executive Chet Kittleson, who said the idea stemmed from his concerns about how children communicate today. He believes voice calls help build stronger communication skills and teach children to handle pauses in conversation. Kittleson said demand has grown rapidly, driven by parents seeking alternatives to smartphones. The company is now working to keep pace after experiencing server issues during a surge in installations on Christmas Day.
As screen time concerns continue to mount, the Tin Car offers a practical solution for families and schools looking to foster healthier communication habits among children while keeping them connected in a safe and controlled manner.
