British Dad Develops 'Monster Guard' App To Help Kids Overcome Bedtime Fears

In Salford, United Kingdom, a groundbreaking development in the realm of children's bedtime fears has taken a significant leap forward. Anthony Gay, a British dad and Managing Director (MD) at ReelWorld, initially launched 'Monster Guard' as an Amazon Alexa Skill in 2021 to combat his six-year-old's fear of nighttime monsters. What started as a hopeful venture to aid a few other parents has astonishingly reached over 60,000 users. Fast forward three years, Anthony and ReelWorld have introduced an advanced version of Monster Guard for mobile devices, now accessible on both iOS and Android platforms.

The essence of Monster Guard remains intact in this mobile iteration, providing a sense of security against imaginary monsters. This version, however, transcends its predecessor by incorporating augmented reality (AR) to create a visually engaging and immersive experience. The app scans children's bedrooms for monsters and activates a 'sonic forcefield' to ensure a monster-free environment, reassuring both children and their parents. Additionally, it features a collection of sleep sounds, original bedtime stories, meditations, and can even sync with Philips Hue light bulbs to enhance the bedtime routine.

Anthony Gay shared his enthusiasm for the app's transition from an Alexa Skill to a comprehensive mobile application. He highlighted the significant user retention rate observed with the original version and expressed his excitement about partnering with Lucy Shrimpton, Founder of 'Sleep Nanny', to maximize the app's impact. This collaboration aims to offer a unique solution for parents seeking ways to alleviate their children's bedtime anxieties.

Lucy Shrimpton emphasized the innovative approach of Monster Guard in addressing children's fears. By not denying the existence of monsters but instead redefining their perception as friendly creatures, the app empowers children to overcome their fears. The introduction of 'Monty', a guardian character with a heartwarming backstory, plays a crucial role in this process by teaching children that monsters can be furry and friendly companions.

Monster Guard is now available for free on Apple devices and for $0.99 on Android devices across North America and the UK. This initiative represents a significant stride towards helping children sleep without fear, offering parents a much-needed respite during evenings.