Ican Urged Instead of Ipad At Half Term
Games, apps, and social media on tablet PCs and iPads are preventing children from experiencing real life, wild fun, and adventure in the great outdoors, bosses at one of Wales’ top holiday destinations have warned.
With more than 42 percent* of 5 to 15-year-olds in the UK owning a tablet PC or iPad, many are growing up sitting glued to mini-screens hooked to the internet instead of getting out climbing trees, exploring the countryside, or learning about nature as their parents and grandparents have done in the past.
The warning from Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire came as the luxury resort challenged parents to help their children find their “wild thing” with all-weather activities this half term.
“We have more of an iPad than an ‘I Can’ generation,” said Yvonne Buckingham of Bluestone, near Narberth in West Wales.
“Technology is great and can be educational, but getting out together as children and as a family can be far more fun and educational and it’s time parents took away the technology to spend some quality time together.”
Yvonne added: “There’s clear evidence that children gain far more by getting out and exploring the countryside, having adventures and learning new things with family and friends and half term is a perfect time to escape and enjoy such time together.”
“This is particularly so when most families spend less time together due to the pressures of work and modern life.”
The luxury resort says activities such as climbing trees, going on beast hunts in the woods, and having “muddy play” together help bond families as well as educating children with new “real life” experiences.
And while Bluestone provides WiFi access throughout its luxury lodges, cottages, and studio apartments, it says occasional access to social media, games, and emails while on holiday isn’t a bad thing. “But it needs to be done in moderation so families have more quality time together,” said Yvonne.
Find out more about how to have wild times with your family at our wonderful resort in Pembrokeshire.
*Figures published by communications watchdog Ofcom in the “Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report”.
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