Parents urged to switch off phones this Christmas to boost family time
England's children's commissioner calls for phone-free meals and family moments this Christmas, backed by a new online safety guide and expert tips.
As families prepare for Christmas, England’s Children’s Commissioner asks parents to put devices aside during meals and key moments together. The aim is to give children more real-life time with relatives and to model healthy tech habits during the holidays.
Phone-free time at the table helps children feel seen and heard. Dame Rachel de Souza says adults should lead by example and make a habit of turning off devices to foster connection this festive season.
Survey shows mixed holiday habits
Recent polling conducted for a tech company found about four in ten families with children under 18 intend to allow phones at the Christmas dinner table, highlighting ongoing tensions between staying connected and sharing quality family moments.
New online safety guide for families
The commissioner released an online guide designed to help families manage online safety and set clear boundaries for screen time. The guide offers practical tips and conversation starters on topics such as dealing with online risks and understanding the role of artificial intelligence in everyday life.
Expert perspectives
Pete Etchells, a psychology professor at Bath Spa University, says Christmas is a good time to start conversations about healthier relationships with technology. He emphasizes that the aim is awareness and constructive dialogue, not guilt.
Practical tips for families
Health Professionals for Safer Screens advise simple steps like creating a family device-use plan or placing phones in a designated box during meals. They highlight that children feel most secure when adults give them full attention, with eye contact and presence playing a crucial role.
Official findings on screen time
Ofcom’s latest report warns about the impact of lengthy screen time on children, noting that eight- to fourteen-year-olds spend close to three hours online each day, with some usage occurring late at night. The findings underscore the importance of routines and boundaries.
Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world’s top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Expert comment
Dr. Pete Etchells notes that Christmas offers a natural moment to discuss technology habits with children and to set expectations for safer online experiences. He adds that conversations should be ongoing, not a single talk.
Summary
In short, adults are urged to model mindful device use and establish family routines that balance online life with real-world interaction. The new guidance complements ongoing research on how screen time affects young people. Families are encouraged to begin early conversations about online safety and boundaries.
Key takeaway: Parents should model mindful tech use to foster healthier online relationships for their children. Source: BBC News
Discover the latest news and current events in Tech News as of 19-12-2025. The article titled " Parents urged to switch off phones this Christmas to boost family time " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the Tech News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.
The information in " Parents urged to switch off phones this Christmas to boost family time " helps you make better-informed decisions within the Tech News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.