The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

1KHO 637: The Gift of Growing Up Slowly | Russell York, COSMO

Dec 1, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Russell York, founder of Cosmo Technologies, shares insights on childhood and technology. He advocates for delaying smartphone use to protect children's attention and imagination. Russell highlights the benefits of smartwatches as a tool for independence, enhancing kids' outdoor experiences and real-world confidence. He emphasizes the importance of fostering trust between parents and children, and how thoughtful tech choices can nurture healthier family dynamics. Their new partnership promoting the Cosmo x 1000 Hours Outside Adventure Bundle is also unveiled!
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INSIGHT

Communication Extends Children's Freedom

  • A watch expands a child's invisible comfort-zone by restoring communication-based safety.
  • Russell links digital connection to modern safety expectations that parents now rely on.
ADVICE

Prioritize After‑School Outdoor Time

  • Let kids have outdoor downtime after school to refill attention tanks with nature.
  • Use a smartwatch to enable supervised roaming so parents can finish tasks at home.
INSIGHT

Design Shapes Childhood Freedom

  • Parents carry anxiety from memories of freer childhoods and must intentionally recreate outdoor freedom.
  • Russell says designing community and tech influences whether families venture out or stay isolated.
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