Bristol dad's app makes children 'hero' of their own story

Alexandra Bassingham

BBC News, Bristol

Jason said he came up with the idea of Lapp to help children engage in stories where they are a central character

Family photo Theo in a zebra jumper, sitting on a brown sofa and reading on a red tablet — Jason said he came up with the idea of Lapp to help children engage in stories where they are a central character

A father who said he wanted to find a more positive way of getting his son interested in technology and reading has developed a free personalised story app.

Jason, 40, a tattoo artist and former Royal Marine from Bradley Stoke in Bristol, came up with idea of Lapp in August 2023, before spending 18 months creating stories, testing and working with experts before launching the app.

He said the idea is if children become the main character or "hero" of their own story, it can help their reading development and build confidence to navigate real-life emotions.

Jason said the app - which is available on iPads - will now be optimised for the iPhone soon, then android devices.

Jason said LAPP is about fostering a love for reading and learning through personalised storytelling

Jason standing in front of a tree and bush wearing a white T-shirt and smiling at the camera — Jason said LAPP is about fostering a love for reading and learning through personalised storytelling

"I don't want to see children getting so stuck into tablets they can't look up and see the real world," he said.

"However, the real world can be scary so with some of the stories I've formulated and put in the app, I've tried to help them navigate that and some of the anxieties they'll face."

Jason said things like the first day of school can seem massive to some children especially if they're a first child.

"But when you can visualize yourself in that environment and it becomes familiar, real life isn't so scary because you've walked there in your head a number of times and it allows you to take things on," he added.

The app is free, with no adverts, but there are extra features available via subscription.

Jason said when the children see themselves in certain situations it can help them manage any anxiety over it in their daily life

Lapp ed tech A screenshot of the app and Theo in a stage show surrounded by cartoon style children. Theo's character is wearing a tiger costume. — Jason said when the children see themselves in certain situations it can help them manage any anxiety over it in their daily life

To use the app, people can add seven images of their child showing different expressions like sleepy, worried, happy, laughing, and a silly face with some side views.

Users can also add skin tone and other personal touches so it reflects each child and he said it will gradually support more children with educational needs.

"Theo said the other day, 'I'm really proud of you and excited for you daddy'," Jason said.

"And my daughter Olive, who is four, is really into the app and loves her story."

Jason said his son Theo told him he is "really proud" of him for his work developing the app

Lapp ed tech A screenshot of the app and Theo is looking out of a cartoon window, wearing a shirt and jumper. — Jason said his son Theo told him he is "really proud" of him for his work developing the app

Jason said that although he loves reading a "good old-fashioned book", the reality is screens are here and part of society's future.

"That's why hopefully this resonates with other parents and educators to see how we align ourselves with it [technology] and use it for good," he added.

Jason has plans to add an option for app users to play and read with friends.

He said although creating the app has been a "long journey", he added "from the start, I didn't mind failing as long as I gave it my all".