One of the easiest ways to help children move from consuming technology to creating with it is through audio.
Recording a short podcast or audio story is powerful because it feels approachable. You do not need special equipment, editing software, or technical confidence. If you have a phone or tablet, you already have everything you need.
More importantly, audio creation shifts how children use technology. Instead of watching or scrolling, they are
planning, speaking, listening, and finishing something of their own.
Why audio works so well for kids
Audio creation builds skills quietly and naturally. Children learn to:
- organise their thoughts
- focus for a sustained period
- communicate clearly
- revise and improve their ideas
- finish something they started
It also removes some of the pressure that comes with video. There is no need to perform on camera or worry about how things look. The focus stays on ideas and expression.
For children who say they are “not into screens,” audio is often the perfect entry point.
Keep the project small
The most important rule is to keep the project small.
You are not trying to start a podcast series. You are helping your child complete a short creative project.
Aim for:
- one episode
- two to three minutes long
- recorded in one sitting if possible
Finishing matters more than polish.
Step 1: Choose a simple idea
Start by asking your child what they would like to talk about.
Some easy starting points:
- a made-up story
- a favourite animal or hobby
- a short book review
- a “how to” explanation
- a pretend radio show
If they are stuck, offer two or three options rather than an open question. Choice without overwhelm makes a big difference.
Step 2: Plan just enough
You do not need a script, but a little structure helps.
Try this simple plan:
- a short introduction
- one main idea or story
- a clear ending
You can jot down a few dot points on paper or talk it through out loud. The goal is to give their thinking some shape, not to make it perfect.
Step 3: Record using what you already have
Use the voice recorder on your phone or tablet.
Find a quiet space, press record, and let them speak. Resist the urge to interrupt or correct. Small pauses and mistakes are part of the process.
If they want to re-record, that is fine. If they do not, that is fine too.
Step 4: Listen together
After recording, listen to it together.
Ask gentle questions:
- What part are you proud of?
- What was tricky?
- What would you change next time?
This reflection helps children see themselves as someone who makes things and improves with practice.
Why this project matters
This small project changes how children see technology. They experience:
- technology as a tool, not a distraction
- effort turning into something real
- the satisfaction of finishing
That feeling is what builds momentum. Once children know they can create with technology, they are far more open to trying other projects.
Where this leads next
Audio projects often lead naturally to:
- longer stories
- interviews with family members
- adding music or sound effects
- exploring other creative tools
Most importantly, it helps children build an identity as a creator.
Where this fits in Better Tech Kids
If this way of thinking resonates, this project is just one small example from Better Tech Kids, where I walk through practical ways to help children use technology with purpose, focus, and confidence.
You do not need to change everything at once. You just need a place to start.
And for many families, this is it.