As parents, the constant struggle of balancing screen time for children is an all-too-familiar challenge. It’s not just about limiting the hours spent on devices—it’s about ensuring that screen time is productive, educational, and balanced. Enter Suzy, the app designed to transform how kids engage with screens while keeping parents in control.
Suzy’s founder, Laurent Fintz, was inspired by a personal experience close to home. “The inspiration for Suzy came from my brother Avi’s experience with his twins’ screen time challenges,” Laurent explains. “He observed his 9-year-olds binging on games and videos, turning into screen time zombies. But the worst happened when it was time to put the devices down—when the tantrums would kick in. There had to be a better way.”
This challenge is one many parents face. It’s not just about turning the device off but managing the emotional and educational balance that screen time presents. Reflecting on their own childhood, Laurent and Avi remembered how their mother cleverly used TV to help them learn a new language. “Our mother switched the TV content from French to English, and we effortlessly picked up the language. Linking one of our favorite activities with learning had a lasting impact on us,” Laurent says. Suzy takes this idea and amplifies it for today’s generation, merging education with technology in a seamless, engaging way.
What Makes Suzy Different?
The app market is filled with parental control tools, but Laurent believes that most solutions miss the mark. “Traditional parental controls usually focus on children’s security, not their development. They’re often geared toward tweens and teenagers with complicated features to configure,” he explains. Additionally, many parents are left to figure out screen time restrictions on their own, with little to no guidance.
Suzy aims to change all that. The app offers an intuitive, simple-to-use interface that helps parents create a kid-safe mode in under three minutes. What makes it stand out is its emphasis on both safety and learning. “Our app features a unique mechanism that only unlocks games if children first engage in an educational activity. This introduces kids to delayed gratification, building grit and resilience,” Laurent explains. Beyond that, the app helps kids build knowledge through small, consistent efforts every day—something that pays off in the long run. “The results are amazing!” he adds.
Suzy also provides built-in screen time recommendations tailored to each child’s profile. These recommendations, backed by collaborations with screen time associations and experts, ensure that the content and duration of screen time are effective and research-backed. It’s this holistic approach that sets Suzy apart in a crowded market.
A Market Disruptor
Suzy aims to disrupt the screen time management market by becoming the go-to solution for parents introducing their children to screens. “The introduction of screens to children is a complicated and lonely time filled with doubts for parents. It’s just not right for them, and more importantly, it’s not right for the children,” Laurent says. The app’s goal is to become a trusted partner for parents, helping them kickstart their kids’ digital journey the smart way. Laurent’s vision is ambitious: “We aim to reach and support a billion children with our solution over time.”
Suzy’s success lies in two core principles—trust and simplicity. With a few taps, parents can apply built-in screen time configurations that are tailored to their child’s needs, backed by science and expert advice. “Hopefully, ‘Suzying‘ a phone or tablet will become common practice for everyone when handing a device to a child,“ Laurent adds.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
When asked what other entrepreneurs can learn from his journey, Laurent emphasizes the importance of a clear vision. “Having a clear vision and bullet-proof conviction on what you want to achieve is essential,“ he says, quoting Viktor Frankl: “Those who have a ‘why‘ can endure any ‘how.‘” Surrounding yourself with a strong team and supportive individuals is also key. “Luckily, I have been fortunate to work alongside great individuals, including my brother and some wonderful mentors. But most importantly, I am blessed to have my amazing wife encouraging me from the start,“ he adds.
