Dad Creates Brilliant App That Freezes Kids' Phones Until They Reply To A Text

Seeking New Ways of Communication

A dad who was tired of his son not answering his texts has come up with what could be a brilliant solution to get his child to listen to him. The idea could also blow up in his face, but we're hoping his new app is a hit with the kids.

Smartphones Have Their Drawbacks

Nick Herbert said he thought getting a smartphone for his child would be great, but he was sorely mistaken.

"My son started at Langley Park School for Boys a couple of years ago and has a smartphone. I thought this would make getting hold of him easier, but it doesn't at all."

"In fact, he is always playing games and has the phone on silent. It drives me crazy."

"I'm hoping the app will make our relationship better. It will alleviate the stress when I can't get hold of him as I will know that he has seen my message."

ReplyASAP Stands For 'You Best Answer Me Now'

It's called the ReplyASAP messaging app.

Ladbible writes that Herbert created an app that would lock the user out of the phone until they reply to an incoming message from a parent, guardian, or whomever is trying to reach the child.

Good Luck, Parent

So if Mom or Dad are trying to text son or daughter to find out when they're coming home or, more importantly, to make sure they're safe, the app will "freeze" the rest of the functions of the phone until said son or daughter answers the text.

"As they are teenagers I realise they aren't going to be massively keen. My son hasn't really said anything negative about the app. It is all about him understanding why it's there," Herbert said.

"If I have something important to say I will send an urgent message. Hopefully it will make things a bit easier," Herbert added.