A recent survey has revealed that more than half of UK parents lack rules around their children’s technology use during holidays. In response, Village Hotels and counsellor Georgina Sturmer have collaborated to provide advice on establishing boundaries for tech use, ensuring families can fully benefit from their time together.
Tech Overuse on Family Breaks
The survey, conducted by Village Hotels, highlights that 51% of UK parents do not impose any restrictions on their children’s tech use while on holiday. Although 45% of parents find technology useful for keeping children occupied during travel, a significant number (26%) believe it prevents their children from engaging with their surroundings. Additionally, 22% of parents think that excessive tech use hinders their ability to disconnect from everyday life.
With 24% of parents considering implementing tech rules for their next holiday, and 18% contemplating a complete “no-tech” policy, the need for guidance on this issue is evident. To address this, Georgina Sturmer, a counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), shares her top tips for setting tech boundaries and her views on integrating ‘gentle parenting’ principles with technology use.
The Importance of Family Breaks
Georgina underscores the value of family holidays for enriching relationships and creating lasting memories. She states, “Quality time helps us to build connections with each other, away from the demands, distractions, and routines of our everyday lives. When we are on a family break, we are not just spending time together; we are experiencing new things together and creating shared memories. These new experiences can benefit us all, especially younger children. When we try new things within the safety of our family unit, we have the chance to learn and grow while feeling secure and supported by those around us.”
Georgina Sturmer’s Tips for Limiting Tech Use
- Age-Appropriate Conversations: Georgina advises having a discussion with children about why tech boundaries are necessary. Explain the reasons why you want to have boundaries in place so that you can enjoy your time together and appreciate the experiences happening beyond the screen. Finding ways to entertain yourselves without resorting to devices is also essential.
- United Front: It’s crucial for all caregivers to agree on tech boundaries. “Both parents or other caregivers need to be fully onboard with these decisions and boundaries,” she emphasises.
- Lead by Example: Parents should model the behaviour they expect from their children. Children copy what we do, not what we say. If you want them to put down their devices, they need to see you doing the same. If you need to use your phone for practical reasons, explain why. Let them know you need it for Google Maps or that you plan to spend a specific amount of time checking work emails.
- Suggest Alternatives: Georgina recommends bringing non-tech entertainment options on holiday. “If we are used to reaching for a device for entertainment, consider what else you might need to take with you—books, games, toys, and creative materials that you can pull out when everyone gets bored. Also, think about other items to reduce reliance on technology, such as maps, pen and paper, and an alarm clock.”
Gentle Parenting and Technology
Discussing the application of ‘gentle parenting’ to technology use, Georgina notes the importance of maintaining boundaries while being responsive to children’s needs. “Gentle parenting focuses on listening to our children and staying calm and connected, rather than resorting to anger or punishment. However, if we give in to every demand, the addictive pull of technology might mean our children are drawn into their devices. It’s important to set and hold effective boundaries and teach our children the behaviour we want to see while modelling it ourselves.”
Village Hotels’ Commitment to Family Breaks
A spokesperson for Village Hotels commented on the study, saying, “The British family break is a wonderful time to spend with our loved ones, relax, and create lasting memories. Technology can be positive, allowing children to capture memories and learn more about their surroundings. However, if your child struggles to switch off from the digital world, it may be time to introduce some restrictions. We teamed up with Georgina to provide top tips for making the most of your family break without technology being too much of a distraction.”
For more information about the UK family breaks survey, visit the Village Hotels website: Village Hotels Family Staycations 2024.