Forest – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Forest

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2014

83%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

The productivity app that guilt-trips you with a dying tree when you can't stop scrolling—and it actually works.

Forest

app

Everyone, 2014

83%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

The productivity app that guilt-trips you with a dying tree when you can't stop scrolling—and it actually works.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Forest is one of those rare productivity apps that actually understands human psychology. Instead of lecturing you about screen time, it gives you a cute tree that dies if you pick up your phone—and somehow that simple guilt trip works.

The gamification is smart without being manipulative. You're not grinding for meaningless points; you're building a visual record of your actual focused time. The optional real-tree planting feature is a nice touch that connects personal habits to something bigger.

It won't work for everyone. Kids who are being forced to use it by parents will find workarounds. Kids who obsess over progress bars might check the tree every 30 seconds. But for tweens, teens, and adults who genuinely want to be less distracted? This is one of the better tools out there.

The free version is solid; premium adds useful features but isn't necessary. No ads, no subscription trap, just a straightforward tool that does what it promises.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11+ who have their own devices and are starting to recognize their own distraction patterns. Teens and adults find it genuinely useful. Younger kids likely won't have the self-awareness or motivation to use it effectively.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Promotes healthy digital habits through gentle gamification without shame or pressure. The metaphor of growing trees rewards focus and self-control in a positive, non-punitive way. The optional real-tree planting feature models environmental responsibility. No toxic elements or manipulative messaging.

Imaginative

The tree-growing metaphor is clever and visually appealing, turning abstract 'focus time' into something tangible and collectible. Multiple tree species to unlock adds variety. However, it's fundamentally a timer app—the creativity is in the framing rather than open-ended exploration or building.

Safe

No ads in the free version, clean interface, and transparent privacy policy. Premium features are optional enhancements, not manipulative upsells. The app-blocking feature helps users avoid distractions. Minor concern: kids who perseverate might obsessively check tree progress, defeating the purpose. Free version is fully functional; premium is genuinely optional.

Enriching

Directly teaches time management, self-regulation, and delayed gratification—critical executive function skills. Statistics tracking helps users understand their focus patterns. Pomodoro technique support introduces evidence-based productivity methods. The real-tree planting option connects personal habits to environmental impact. Genuinely builds life skills that transfer beyond the app.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Turns boring time management into a genuinely motivating game—watching your forest grow feels surprisingly satisfying
Teaches real executive function skills: focus, delayed gratification, and self-regulation through gentle positive reinforcement
Premium version lets you plant actual trees on Earth, connecting personal productivity to environmental impact
Works for a huge age range—high schoolers use it for studying, adults use it for work, middle schoolers can use it for homework
App-blocking feature in premium version actually prevents you from opening distracting apps, not just nagging you about it

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What to Watch For

Only works if the user genuinely wants to change their habits—won't help if a kid is being forced to use it by parents
Kids who get obsessive might compulsively check the tree's progress, which defeats the whole purpose
Premium features ($2-3 one-time purchase) unlock statistics, group sessions, and app blocking—free version is solid but limited
Requires some self-awareness and buy-in; not a magic solution for phone addiction

Conversation Starters

"What would help you stay focused when you're trying to do homework? Would something like this work for you, or would it just annoy you?"
"If you could see how much time you actually spend focused versus distracted, do you think you'd be surprised?"
"What apps or sites are the biggest time-sucks for you? Would blocking them help, or would you just find workarounds?"
"How do you feel when you get a lot done versus when you waste time scrolling? What's the difference?"

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