Samsung Electronics has launched "Marshmallow," a parental control app that emphasizes autonomy and rewards rather than force and restrictions for children's smartphone use. At a time when there is high interest in "apps that children cannot disable," this app grants points to children who follow rules, fostering voluntary self-management. It was developed based on the "Marshmallow Test," a study on self-control ability conducted at Stanford University in the 1970s with 4-year-old children.

Existing child management apps are divided into study, free, and self-management modes, with the study mode allowing only gallery, messages, calls, and camera access. In free mode, parents can set which apps are available.



In contrast, the Marshmallow app is divided into Marshmallow Mode, Management App, and Gift features.

"Marshmallow Mode" is a smartphone usage environment where children can use only up to 8 apps of their own selection. Except for allowed apps, notifications and alarms are restricted, reducing habitual smartphone checking time. While children can autonomously choose how much to use Marshmallow Mode, the more frequently they use this mode, the more rewards they receive such as usage goal achievement badges, level-ups, and Marshmallow points.

The "Management App" is for apps that parents hope their children will not use for extended periods. For example, entertainment games, webtoons, SNS apps, etc. can be set as management apps. Each time children use them, Marshmallow points are deducted on an hourly basis, and when points run out, the apps become unavailable.

"Gift" allows children to use accumulated Marshmallow points at the Marshmallow Coupon Shop to request desired gifts from their parents.
Additionally, Marshmallow provides reports that allow parents to see their children's smartphone usage history at a glance, enabling objective assessment of improvements in smartphone usage habits.

A Samsung Electronics official stated, "As children's smartphone addiction is drawing attention as a serious social issue, we developed Marshmallow hoping that children will develop self-control abilities like those who succeeded in the Marshmallow Test and establish correct smartphone usage habits."