Let's be honest, screens are part of everyday family life.
During the school holidays, it's not unusual for “just half an hour” on a tablet to turn into an entire afternoon. Between busy work schedules, changing routines and trying to keep children entertained, screen time can quietly become the default.
Whether it's chatting with friends, gaming, watching their favourite programme or simply winding down, technology has its place. We're certainly not here to tell parents to ban tablets or switch off the TV completely.
Finding the right balance doesn't mean getting rid of screens. It's about making sure children have plenty of other things to enjoy too.
At Aspire Active Camps, we see how quickly screens can be forgotten when children have opportunities to move, play, spend time with friends and try something new.
Why active play matters
Children don't just need exercise. They need opportunities to play, explore and build confidence.
UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that children and young people aged 5 to 18 get an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day across the week. For younger children aged 1 to 5, the recommendation is at least 180 minutes of physical activity throughout the day. This can include everything from PE and sport to active travel and play.
Being active supports much more than physical fitness. It can help children build confidence and social skills, develop coordination, improve concentration and learning, strengthen muscles and bones and sleep better.
And the benefits don't stop there. Playing a team game, trying something for the first time or working out how to complete a challenge can all help children develop communication, confidence and resilience.
What is screen time replacing?
Technology brings plenty of positives. Children can learn new things, stay connected with family and friends, explore their interests and enjoy some downtime.
So rather than seeing screen time as something that needs to be removed completely, it can be useful to think about what it might be replacing.
If an afternoon on a device means missing out on opportunities to play outside, get active, spend time with friends or get enough sleep, it may be time to mix things up.
UK Chief Medical Officers' guidance recommends that children and young people minimise the amount of time they spend being sedentary and break up long periods of inactivity with movement where possible.
There isn't a specific limit on how long children should spend being sedentary in the physical activity guidance. Instead, the emphasis is on reducing inactivity and finding more opportunities to move throughout the day.
Giving children something they genuinely want to get involved in can make that much easier.
Simple ways to encourage more active days
Creating a healthier balance doesn't have to mean banning screens or introducing lots of new rules.
A few simple changes can help:
- Plan an outdoor activity, even if it's just a walk or a trip to the park.
- Encourage children to play outside with friends.
- Walk or cycle when you can.
- Have times when screens are put away, such as during meals.
- Break up longer periods of sitting with a chance to get up and move.
- Plan activities children can look forward to, whether that's swimming, a bike ride, a day out or a holiday camp.
You don't need to fill every minute of the holidays. Giving children a mix of time to relax and opportunities to be active can help create a balance that works for your family.
School holidays should be full of adventure
We know school holidays can be a juggling act for parents.
Balancing work, childcare and keeping children entertained isn't always easy. After a few days at home, ideas can start to run a little thin too.
That's where
Aspire Active Camps can help.
Our Ofsted-registered holiday camps across the West Midlands give children a safe, welcoming place to spend their school holidays, with plenty to keep them busy throughout the day.
Whether your child loves team sports, enjoys performing, wants to develop their cricket or football skills, or simply likes having a go at something different, there are lots of ways to get involved.
Activities include:
- Multi Sports
- Football Academy
- Cricket Academy
- Gym Beatz
- Dance Beatz
- Active Leaders
For parents, that means one less holiday day to plan and the reassurance that your child is spending it somewhere safe, active and engaging. For children, it means a day packed with opportunities to move, make friends, build confidence and discover activities they enjoy.
Why children forget about their screens
At camp, there's plenty happening to keep children engaged away from their devices.
It makes sense. When they're busy playing games, taking on challenges, trying new activities and spending time with other children, there's plenty happening to hold their attention.
They might be learning a new skill, getting more confident at an activity or simply enjoying running around with their friends.
Most importantly, they're having fun while being active.
Helping families find the right balance
Screens aren't going anywhere, and they don't need to.
Finding a balance is about making room for technology alongside physical activity, rest, learning and time spent with others.
During the school holidays, an active day can give children a change of routine and plenty of opportunities to move, try new things and make friends.
Active holiday camps are just one way families can add more of those experiences into the school break.
While your child enjoys a busy day of activities, you can have the reassurance of knowing they're staying active, building confidence and enjoying their time away from school.
Frequently asked questions
How much physical activity should children get each day?
UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that children and young people aged 5 to 18 get an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day across the week. This can include PE, active travel, play, sports and other activities.
Is screen time always bad for children?
No. Screens can be used for learning, entertainment, creativity and keeping in touch with others.
What's important is finding a balance so that time on devices doesn't continually replace opportunities to move, sleep, play and spend time with other people.
What if my child prefers screens to outdoor activities?
It can take time to find something a child really enjoys. Trying different activities can help, and being active doesn't have to mean playing competitive sport.
Walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, playground games and simply playing with friends are all ways to get moving.
Can holiday camps help reduce screen time?
Holiday camps give children plenty to do away from their devices. With activities, games and other children to spend time with, screens are much less likely to be the focus of their day.
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