Growing calls for a social media ban or greater restrictions highlights that we are now at a tipping point in this debate. Back in 2015, our charity published the first of what has since become a trilogy of Class of 2035 reports warning of a generation being held hostage by handheld devices. The onset of a society where digital supersedes human interaction and social algorithms drive dependency is affecting children’s cognitive, social and emotional development and driving physical activity levels down, further impacting on normal growth and development, as well as their health happiness and life chances.

They’re connected 24/7 but lonelier than ever.

Our recent Class of 2035 report warned without change, the situation will continue to deteriorate. In a decade’s time, if the current trajectory persists half of children will be using screens for entertainment purposes alone for at least three hours a day and we will see more conditions such as Type II Diabetes.

The need to reimagine childhood is clearer than ever, balancing the demands of the digital world through the human connection of physical play and sport. Moving away from screens and social media can give children back time for play and movement, key to physical development, skills, socialisation and having fun.

Sport and play build human connection – the sort you can’t swipe for.

Our ambition is for every child to access the life-changing benefits of play and sport. Over 30 years our charity has worked to support young people through sport and play, and for too long we have witnessed this being overruled by a rapid embrace of the digital world without due consideration about the impact on children

We are pleased to see the public debate shifting. Proposed new government guidance on screen usage for under-5s, and cross-party and cross-society leaders speaking out in favour of a social media ban for under-16s over the week reflects the growing sense the time for change is now and we are adding our voice to calls for urgent action in this area. 

Informed by evidence and insights here and across the world, we look forward to playing our role in giving this generation the childhood it deserves.