Parents told to lead by example and turn off phones this Christmas
Parents should lead by example this Christmas and turn off their phones during family time, England’s children’s commissioner has said.
Dame Rachel de Souza told the Press Association children were “screaming” to get engaged to their relatives over the festive period and urged them to have “phone-free time”.
Almost half of parents with children aged 18 or younger plan to allow phones at the Christmas dinner table this year, according to a recent survey.
“I can’t tell you how many children have told me they were sitting down at dinner and the parents were on the phone,” Dame Rachel said. “So let’s close them this Christmas.”
Nearly four in 10 adults say smartphones have disrupted their Christmas in some way, according to research conducted by More in Common for Yondr.
The children’s commissioner said he had been guilty of using his phone at mealtimes in the past but it was crucial to set clear rules for everyone, not just children.
“As adults we must lead,” said Dame Rachel. “We can’t talk about banning children if we don’t do it ourselves.”
His comments came as he launched a new guide offering tips on children’s online safety and how to limit screen time.
Pete Etchells, professor of psychology at Bath Spa University, told BBC News that Christmas was a good time to chat with children about developing healthy relationships with technology.
“It’s not about feeling guilty or ashamed about our use of technology, it’s about being more aware of it,” he said.
“And starting conversations about what we’re happy with and what we want to do differently.”
Commissioner’s new guide, available onlineIt was published to support parents who are “feeling overwhelmed” by “mixed messages” about online safety and is informed by child focus groups.
In it, parents can find “practical tips” and “conversation starters” on how to talk about topics like managing screen time, dealing with negative online experiences, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Young people aged between 13 and 18 told Dame Rachel they accept that bad things can happen online, considering it an inevitable part of the online world.
They also shared how strangers contacted them, saw pornography, and were aware that intimate images of their peers were being shared.
Dame Rachel said it was important for parents to “talk early and talk often” to their children about their online presence.
Arabella Skinner, Health Expert for Safer Screens, told BBC News simple rules could make a difference.
She suggested creating a family plan around device use or designing a box to stash cell phones during meals.
“Children feel safest and happiest when they have our full attention, eye contact and presence,” she said.
“As adults, it is very important that we spend time with our children and not stare at screens all the time.”
a report Published by regulator Ofcom earlier this month highlighted children’s concerns about the negative effects of endless screen time and “brain rot.”
It was revealed that children between the ages of eight and 14 spend an average of three hours on the internet every day, and a quarter of this time is between 21:00 and 05:00.
