SHREVEPORT, La. - Not all tech toys keep kids glued to a screen. Some are designed to do quite the opposite.

If you’re looking for ways to limit screen time without starting a family argument, how about a new take on the classic paper airplane? PowerUp turns an ordinary paper airplane into a controllable flying toy. Kids fold the plane using a template, attach a lightweight motor, and connect it to an app. With simple controls, they can steer, climb, and even do loops—learning the basics of flight like balance and thrust. The planes are durable for crashes, and there is a learning curve, but they give kids a reason to go outside.

Not every solution is a toy. The Bark smartphone looks like a regular phone, but it’s built for kids. It lets parents manage screen time and apps and monitors messages for things like bullying and explicit content. It’s about giving kids a phone without handing them the entire internet.

The GoCube looks like a regular Rubik’s Cube, but it’s packed with sensors and connects to a phone or tablet. As kids twist and turn the cube, the app guides them step by step. It teaches logic and problem-solving, but the screen isn’t the focus. The goal is to put the phone down and solve the cube in your hands.

This Harry Potter chess set uses smart pieces and a connected board to help kids learn how to play. They can play with someone remotely or against the app. Your opponent’s moves light up on your board. If you’re learning the game, it gives hints or even shows your best move. No matter what your level, the Harry Potter chess set helps improve strategy and understanding of the game.

Tech doesn’t have to mean more screen time. With the right toy or gadget, tech can be the thing that gets kids to unplug.