As families across the nation gather to celebrate the festive season and Christmas, a crucial appeal is being made to parents: put away your smartphones. The call to prioritise living in the moment over merely capturing it is growing louder, with children themselves expressing a deep desire for undivided attention from their families.
Children's Plea for Undivided Attention
The Children's Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has highlighted a heartfelt demand from the younger generation. In a conversation with the BBC, Dame Rachel revealed that children are actively seeking meaningful and engaged time with their families during this special period. She elaborated to the Press Association, stressing that kids are "crying out" for engagement and quality time with their parents.
She strongly urged households to consciously establish 'phone-free' periods, particularly during shared meals and family activities. Dame Rachel placed the onus squarely on adults, emphasising that it is their responsibility to cultivate a warm, homely environment where the focus remains on family connection. "We can’t talk about banning phones for children if we’re not willing to do it ourselves," she stated, admitting her own past guilt of scrolling during mealtimes.
The Startling Reality of Screen Intrusion
This plea comes against a backdrop where smartphones have subtly encroached upon real-life interactions. Recent research paints a concerning picture for the upcoming festivities. One report found that a staggering half of all parents with children under 18 plan to allow phones at the Christmas dinner table. Further compounding the issue, another study reveals that four out of every 10 adults feel mobile devices have disrupted their Christmas celebrations in some manner.
Echoing Dame Rachel's sentiments, psychology professor Pete Etchells from Bath Spa University encouraged families to use the Christmas period as a chance to reflect on their technology habits. He advised moving beyond guilt and instead noticing usage patterns and initiating open conversations about what changes the family collectively wishes to see.
Practical Steps Towards a Digital Detox
The guidance coincides with the launch of a new online resource designed to help parents navigate the complex world of screen time and online behaviour. Dame Rachel also spoke about the importance of having early family discussions focusing on online safety, the use of artificial intelligence, and dealing with negative experiences online.
Experts recommend starting with simple, enforceable steps to reclaim family time. These can include:
- Creating a family-wide rule for phone-free meals.
- Physically locking phones away during designated family hours.
- Modelling the desired behaviour, as children learn best by example.
By setting these clear boundaries, families can transform the festive season into a truly connected and memorable experience, answering the call from children who simply want their parents' full presence.
