Parents reconnect with children in digital detox mobile phone free weekend at Derwent Hill
A group of 60 children and their parents from Willow Wood Community Primary School had to hand over their mobile phones and tablets to teaching staff as part of an “inspirational” digital detox weekend at Derwent Hill in the Lake District.
This initiative was the idea of headteacher Lindsay Robertson who identified “parents continually being on their mobile phones” as one of the barriers to ensuring interaction takes place with their children.
Mrs Robertson said the results were amazing, and the “most impactful thing we have done as a school”.
She added: “One of the biggest issues I see and hear about in school is parents being on their mobile phones. I noticed at pick-up times a lot of parents would be on their mobiles rather than waiting to greet their children.
“We put a ban on parents using their mobile phones on school premises, but we also decided to run a digital detox trip to Derwent Hill. At the start of the weekend all the parents had to hand over their digital devices, including mobile phones, before they got on the bus and we allowed them to have them back for one hour after the children had gone to bed.”
During the week, the children and their parents focused on taking part in an array of activities together including a high ropes course, hiking, climbing, and a ghyll scramble.
Mrs Robertson said: “Being off their phones and taking part in the activities was an opportunity for children and their parents to reconnect. It was fantastic to see the children and their parents spending quality time together and establishing those bonds.”
It’s sentiment which certainly seems to be shared by the parents.
Rachel Ellwood said: “The best thing about the weekend was the digital detox. It made me realise how much we unconsciously rely on technology, but also how enjoyable things can be without it.”
Maria Brannen said: “I really enjoyed not having my mobile phone - it’s too easy to pick it up, and this trip has strengthened my relationship with my child.”
James Ellwood added: “Thanks for a brilliant experience and something I didn’t get to experience when I was at school.”
The trip definitely appeared to have the desired effect on the children.
Jessica Peverall said: “It was great spending time just us and the best part was seeing my mam fall over in the river.”
Grace Brannen added: “I enjoyed spending time with my mam. I got to share the experiences and challenges with her.”
Derwent Hill in the Lake District is operated by Sunderland Local Education Authority to provide the city’s children with the opportunity to take part in outward-bound activities.
In a letter to Sunderland City Council, the activity centre’s head, Mathew Ellis, described the week as “without doubt one of the most impactful courses we’ve ever run at Derwent Hill”.
He added: “Parents have reconnected with their children in a way they never thought they would.”