NEWS COPY
A third of parents wish they could uninvent the smartphone to cut the amount of time their kids spend online, a study has found.
Almost seven in 10 parents feel guilty about the length of time their children spend in front of a screen, with the average youngster on their mobile phones, TVs, laptops and tablets for more than eight hours a week.
And even children as young as four spend 52 minutes a day glued to some form of screen.
But 78 per cent of mums and dads struggle to think of fun activities to keep their families entertained away from their gadgets.
The study of 2,000 adults was conducted by organic drink maker Honest Kids, who have partnered with environmental charity Groundwork and ITV presenter Julia Bradbury to encourage children to have a thirst for the great outdoors.
Julia said: “Our mission is to get kids and parents outdoors and revive the spirit of imagination and play.
“It’s important to disconnect from modern technology and spend regular one-to-one time with children to encourage them to be creative and active.”
The study found parents are worried traditional games from their own childhood aren’t being passed on to the younger generations.
Seven in 10 parents have never played catch with their kids, half haven’t played i-spy and more than a third have never had a game of hide-and-seek.
Three quarters of parents have also never seen their children play conkers, marbles or “What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf.”
But 72 per cent of those polled think it’s important for children to play make believe or play traditional games, to keep their imaginations active.
Honest Kids, in collaboration with Groundwork and Julia Bradbury, has created the ‘Thirst for the Great Outdoors’ activity guide to help inspire parents and children to spend quality time together.
Featuring easy and mostly free activities, Honest Kids hopes it will inspire families to get outside – whatever the weather – and spend time together.
Honest Kids have created the ‘Thirst for the Great Outdoors’ Activity Guide to help inspire parents and children to spend quality time with each other.
ENDS
