Parents Face Smartphone Dilemma as Japanese "Mimamori" Parenting Gains Attention in the U.S.

BoT US introduces BoT Talk, a screen-free GPS tracker for kids with 2-way voice messaging, helping families stay connected without smartphones or social media distractions.

SEATTLE, Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As 66% of U.S. parents seek to delay smartphones until high school and 26 states enact phone-free school policies , a new movement is gaining momentum. BoT US Inc. is introducing American families to 'Mimamori' (Quiet Care) , a Japanese parenting philosophy that balances child independence with gentle connection.

BoT US brings this approach to the U.S. through BoT Talk , which is designed for children ages 5–12 and helps parents stay connected without screens, social media, or digital distractions.

"Mimamori represents a mindful balance," said Keita Yagi, CEO of Bsize Inc. and developer of BoT Talk. "It's about being available without intrusion, providing security without limiting curiosity."

The Rise of "Mimamori" in the U.S.

The shift comes amid a growing movement among American families to delay smartphones:

• 73% support delaying social media until at least 16. ( The Harris Poll, 2025 )
• 66% of parents say they want to restrict smartphones until high school. ( The Harris Poll, 2025 )
• 26 states now require K–12 districts to limit or ban phones during class. ( Ballotpedia, 2025 )

Practicing Quiet Care with BoT Talk

BoT Talk embodies Mimamori in daily life:

• Peace of mind for parents – GPS location and instant voice connection, without apps or screens.
• Respect for childhood – lightweight, intuitive design that avoids unnecessary features.
• "No news is good news" – a quiet presence, ready only when needed.

In feedback from 43 U.S. BoT Talk user families (August 2025) , parents reported using BoT Talk primarily for location awareness, commuting, and neighborhood play . Many cited choosing the screen-free alternative specifically to support delayed smartphone adoption.

Parents shared:

• "We're trying to delay the introduction of any kind of phone for as long as possible. The BoT is a great solution."
• "My child rides the school bus and wants some independence. I feel better having some oversight."

These experiences illustrate how Mimamori enables children to gain independence while parents maintain peace of mind—the essence of "Quiet Care."

Expert Recognition of the Mimamori Movement

Award-winning parenting journalist Katie Grant , in her article " The Childhood-Changing Magic of Mimamori ," describes the philosophy as "a gentle, intentional way of staying connected that allows kids to grow independence while parents hold a quiet line of support."

Learning More About Mimamori

BoT US will be launching an ongoing series on Mimamori and modern parenting . In future articles, we'll interview and share insights from parenting experts and families who practice Mimamori in their daily lives.

At BoT US, we believe Mimamori has the potential to transform the future of parenting in the U.S.. Additional information about implementing Mimamori principles and product information will be available through the company's upcoming educational materials.

Availability

BoT Talk is available now at www.bot.app .

About BoT US Inc.
BoT US Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Bsize Inc. (Tokyo), focused on family-first products. BoT's child-monitoring GPS series has been No.1 in Japan for "user numbers" and "customer satisfaction" five years running (latest Ideation Inc. survey, Jan. 2025; comparison set based on Google top-10 providers as of Jan. 14, 2025). The company is now introducing the concept of Mimamori = "Quiet Care" to families in the United States through both technology solutions and educational resources.

SOURCE BoT US Inc.