Stamplo Blog
Writing on children's online safety, slow communication, and building a calmer internet for kids.
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Pen pals for children who are still learning to write
A pen pal does not have to mean writing unaided. A practical guide for parents of children who are still learning to read and write, covering device dictation, sending drawings instead of words, and why short letters are welcome exactly as they are.
New to pen pals? Start with our parent's guide.
Pen pals for kids →- Planning a screen free summer your children will not resent
The under-16 social media ban has now been announced and the summer holidays follow soon after, so this is the first summer many families will plan around less screen time. A practical, honest plan for six weeks built around making things, being outside, and slower connection.
- The social media ban is coming. Here’s what children can do instead.
The government has announced a ban on social media for under-16s, with protections expected to come into force in spring 2027. A practical guide to what fills the gap now and why it matters more than the legislation.
- Can a Pen Pal Help My Child Learn French?
Parents often ask whether a pen pal can help a child learn French or another language. Here is what language research suggests — and what Stamplo's own cross-border friendships already show.
- One year of Stamplo
A year ago I pushed Stamplo to production and waited. Here is what happened: 48 countries, six continents, zero safety incidents, and children writing letters to children the way it should be.
- Banning phones in schools is a good start. But children go home.
The UK government has announced a legal ban on smartphones in schools in England. As a founder building for children online, I welcome it — and I think it misses the real problem. Children go home. The algorithm follows them.
- Why the best thing we’ve built isn’t an app
Stamplo is a digital platform. But the most Stamplo thing we’ve ever made is entirely offline — a physical world map where children mark real pen pal friendships with pins.
- Not Sure How Safe Your Family Tech Setup Is? This Free Quiz Will Tell You
A free, quick safety check for parents to see how secure their family's digital setup really is. No sign-up, no data tracking — just practical steps to help children stay safe online.
- What the Data Shows About How Children Write Letters Online
Real data from Stamplo shows children write ~5 letters/month (1 every 6 days), 62% get replies after 6.5 days, friendships last up to 9 months across 65 country pairs.
- What We Told the UK Government About Children and Social Media
Stamplo submitted a response to the UK consultation on children’s digital wellbeing. Here is what we observe when children communicate through slower, supervised digital letters.
- What Is the Safest Pen Pal Website for Kids?
Parents often ask what makes a pen pal website truly safe for children. A practical look at supervision, identity verification, parent control, and what to look for before signing up.
- Why We Don’t Guarantee Replies on Stamplo
A clear explanation of why Stamplo doesn’t guarantee replies — and why patience, waiting, and human pace are an intentional part of how children learn to communicate.
- Raising Children Without Social Media: A Practical Perspective
A parent and founder reflects on building a supervised pen-pal platform as an alternative to social media, as the UK begins a national conversation on children’s use of technology.
- Stamplo 2025 Year in Review: Slow, Safe, Intentional
A reflective look at Stamplo’s first six months. What happened after launch, how children actually used slow letter writing, what parents valued most, and why calmer online communication still matters.
- Australia Raised the Social Media Age to 16. What This Means for Children and Parents
Australia has become the first country to raise the minimum age for social media to sixteen. Here’s what the change signals, why other nations are considering similar moves, and how families can choose calmer, healthier ways for children to connect online.
- Talk Deep: Why Kids Need Slower Conversations
A gentle reflection on why fast messaging leaves children (especially ages 7–14) communicating in fragments — and how slower, intentional communication helps them think, express themselves, and build deeper friendships.
- Why Fast Messaging Overwhelms Kids (and What Child Psychology Tells Us)
Instant messaging was built for adults, not 8–13-year-olds. A practical look at how fast chats impact children’s emotions, friendships, and anxiety — and how parents can create healthier digital habits.
- How We’re Making Stamplo Even Safer: Trust Signals and Parent Verification
Introducing two major safety upgrades: Trust Signals on incoming pen-pal requests and optional Parent Identity Verification — giving parents even more clarity, transparency, and control.
- 217,000 Miles of Friendship: How Far Safe Connections Can Travel
Children’s letters on Stamplo have already travelled more than 217,000 miles — almost to the Moon. A reflection on what those miles mean for safe, parent-approved connections around the world.
- Roblox: A Parent’s Practical Guide to the Game Every Kid Talks About
Understand what Roblox is, the real risks, and quick parental controls to keep kids safer — explained in plain English and aligned with the ICO Children’s Code.
- From an idea to 17 Countries — Stamplo’s Safe Global Growth
Launched quietly in May 2025, Stamplo has already reached families in 17 countries — giving children a safe, parent-approved way to rediscover the joy of pen pals.
- Understanding the ICO Children’s Code and Why It Matters for Your Family
Learn how Stamplo is built around the UK ICO Children’s Code to protect children’s privacy and keep parents in control.
- The Magic of Pen Pals — Why Writing Letters Still Matters for Kids
Discover how letter writing helps children slow down, build empathy, and connect meaningfully in a digital-first world.