Parents worry about children’s screen time – but they’re guilty too

Seven in 10 parents are worried about their kids’ social media use and screen time – but 71% admit they also spend too much time glued to their own screens.

As a result, the survey of 2,000 mums and dads with children aged between 11 and 17 found 68% feel finding quality time together is becoming more difficult.

With time spent on devices (55%), social media (37%), and busy schedules (68%) the main reasons for this. But 60% admitted they are guilty of scrolling social media too much themselves. However, 69% want to get things back track and believe taking a family holiday gives them the best chance to reconnect.

The research was commissioned by easyJet, which has launched ‘Airplane Mode’ – a conversation-sparking holiday card game to help families switch off and get to know each other with child development expert Tanith Carey and writer, activist, present and mum Katie Piper.

Tanith, who helped develop the Airplane Mode initiative, said: “Giving a child a phone by the time they reach secondary school is now considered a rite of passage for most parents in the UK. As adults, having our phones with us has now also become pretty much essential when we travel.

“However, as this new research shows, it’s all too easy to slip into letting phones interrupt the vital connection we have with our kids. The initiative is a brilliant way for families to not only reverse this slide, but also to learn more about each other and strengthen their bond.”

The poll also revealed nearly a quarter (24%) of children admit to knowing more about their favourite influencers than their parents.

While 85% of families fear being less connected means they don’t have enough conversations around the important issues facing young people today together.

Of the children surveyed, 45% want to be more present with their families. And 68% think spending more time with family helps their mood and overall wellbeing.

With families averaging two holidays a year together between the ages of six and 18, 48% plan to take more this year than last. Their main reasons include spending quality time together (52%), improving wellbeing (42%), and reconnecting as a family (40%).

As part of the campaign, Katie Piper, influencers Jaycie Fry and Will Ainslie, and easyJet pilots and crew have released a series of voice notes reflecting on their own experiences of disconnection.

Katie said: “It’s so important to make time to embrace real connections, self-reflection and the joy of being present with our families – but that’s not easy. I hope hearing the reflections of how others have connected about the more difficult topics in our lives encourages everyone to dig deep and open those conversations as a family too.”

Kenton Jarvis, easyJet’s CEO, said: “We’re passionate about creating family-friendly initiatives that make flying with us both fun and easier for parents. Our research shows the summer holidays are one of the few times in the year when families are together without the usual distractions, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy some well-earned quality time and put down tablets or phones.

“With our Airplane Mode game, we hope the thousands of families flying with us can take a moment to relax, reconnect and make meaningful memories from the moment they board.”