As tech becomes a bigger part of day-to-day life, many families are starting to reflect on when (and where) it’s actually needed. At Practically Family, we’ve always had a no-phone policy at Holiday Club - and we’re proud of it.

Why We’re Proud to be a Screen-Free Zone

We’ve always had a no-phone policy at Holiday Club - and not just for safeguarding reasons (although that matters too - no photo sharing, no unmonitored content, and less risk of something getting lost or damaged).

There are a few more reasons too:

• We’re a screen-free zone. This is a place for muddy knees, make-believe games, and face-to-face fun - not zoning out on screens.


• You can’t monitor what they’re watching. Even with the best intentions, phones give access to content that may not be age-appropriate - or align with your family’s values.


• What’s acceptable to one parent isn’t always OK with another. Keeping things phone-free means we’re not navigating tricky grey areas around different family rules.


• Phones are distracting. They pull kids out of the moment - and we want them fully engaged in play, adventure and connection.


• Even our Crew leaders and Crew mates leave their phones behind. Our team are role models, and we want children to see adults who are present and involved.


• We love old school. Pass the skipping rope, the water balloons, the dressing-up box… that’s where the good stuff is.

It’s also part of our Health & Wellbeing Commitment: supporting children’s mental and physical health, encouraging meaningful connections, and helping them feel grounded in the here and now.



Finding It Tricky at Home? You’re Not Alone.

With screen time back in the spotlight, you might be rethinking screens at home, too. Whether you’re navigating that first phone, setting boundaries, or just trying to help them switch off once in a while, it can feel like a challenge.

If that’s where you are right now, here are a few things that might help:

Create “Screen-Free Zones” or Times

Try a screen-free breakfast or a no-phones-in-bedrooms routine - simple, doable boundaries that help everyone unplug.

Swap Screens for a Challenge

Kids love a mission. Our blog is full of ideas or you could try one of our free Treasure Hunt or LEGO Challenge packs. They’re ready to go and great for half-term, weekends or rainy afternoons.

Let Them Lead the Fun

Ask: What would you do if you had no tech for an hour? You might be surprised by their ideas! And it gives them ownership over the activity.

Use Screens as Inspiration, Not the Activity

Watched a baking reel or nature video? Recreate it together in real life. Screens can spark great offline fun.

Talk About the Why

Kids get it. Framing it positively - “Let’s give our brains a break” or “Let’s see what we can do with our hands today” - goes a long way.

A Place to Switch Off and Tune In

Holiday Club is their chance to switch off from screens and switch on to adventure. And honestly, most kids don’t miss their phones once the fun starts.

No beeps. No pings. Just mud pies, make believe, bonkers games and belly laughs. The kind of fun that sticks with them long after the holidays are over.

If you’ve got questions about our phone policy or want to chat about screen-free activities, we’re always happy to help. Just drop us a message hc@practicallyfamily.co.uk