Parents fear social media disconnecting them from kids - despite being hooked themselves

Seven in 10 parents are fretting over their children's social media usage and screen time – yet a striking 71% confess to being overly attached to their own devices.

The study, which surveyed 2,000 parents of 11 to 17 year olds, revealed that 68% struggle to find quality family time, with device use (55%), social media (37%), and hectic timetables (68%) cited as the main culprits.

Despite this, 60% of parents acknowledge their own excessive scrolling on social platforms. Nevertheless, an optimistic 69% are keen to get family dynamics back on track, believing a holiday together is the golden ticket to rekindling connections.

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This research, initiated by easyJet, coincides with the launch of 'Airplane Mode' – a holiday card game designed to encourage families to disconnect and engage, created in collaboration with child development expert Tanith Carey and writer, activist, presenter and mum Katie Piper

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Tanith Carey, involved in crafting the Airplane Mode project, commented: "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."

She added, "As adults, having our phones with us has now also become pretty much essential when we travel."

Carey further noted, "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 survey additionally uncovered that nearly a quarter (24%) of children confess to being more familiar with their preferred influencers than with their own parents.

Meanwhile, a significant 85% of families are concerned that a lack of connection means they fail to engage in meaningful conversations about the critical issues facing today's youth.

Amongst the younger respondents, 45% expressed a desire to be more engaged with their family members. Plus, a notable 68% believe that increased family time boosts their mood and overall wellbeing.

With statistics indicating that families typically enjoy two holidays annually during the childhood years spanning from six to 18, 48% are planning more getaways this year compared to the previous one.

Their primary motivations for these escapes include cherished quality time (52%), wellness improvement (42%), and rejuvenating family ties (40%).

In alignment with the campaign, Katie Piper, social media personalities Jaycie Fry and Will Ainslie, along with easyJet's pilots and crew, have shared an assortment of voice notes recounting their personal experiences with disconnection.

Katie remarked: "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."

EasyJet's CEO, Kenton Jarvis, stated: "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."

TANITH CAREY'S TIPS TO HELP FAMILIES CONNECT THIS SUMMER HOLIDAY:

• Asking questions builds powerful connections: Simply by asking questions to your family that you may not have thought to ask before will help build powerful connections that brings you closer. You're inviting everyone to express themselves freely and, by listening to what they say without judgment, they feel important and valued in your eyes.
• Games can help teach valuable life skills: Encouraging children to express their thoughts and feelings through questions not only helps them articulate their emotions, but also fosters empathy – a crucial life skill. Allow children to respond at their own pace, without rushing them. If they struggle to answer immediately, reassure them that you're interested in hearing their thoughts once they've had time to ponder. This approach nurtures their self-awareness and curiosity.
• The importance of sharing: As parents, setting a strong example of sharing is vital. Utilising games during holidays and sharing your personal experiences not only educates your children but also allows them to see you in a different light, reminding them that you're human too!
• Kicking off the holiday with a family activity: Initiating your holiday with a collective activity, such as a game, communicates that quality time together is a priority from the get-go – fostering a sense of unity from the outset.
• Holidays are when family memories are made: Often, the most cherished and enduring family memories are created on holiday. Use this knowledge as a reminder to make every moment count. Aim to enhance your real-life experiences by minimising phone usage during your break, unless it's necessary for travel arrangements or capturing photos and videos.