A NEW joint initiative between Family Adventures Group and Sidcot School is drawing attention to the growing challenge of screen use among pre-school children, following new research that highlights the gap between parental intentions and everyday reality.

The Somerset-based partnership surveyed more than 1,000 parents across the South West to better understand how families are navigating screen use in early childhood.

The results point to a clear and consistent pattern. While 60 per cent of parents believe children should not be introduced to screens until between the ages of two and four, in practice 68 per cent of children are exposed to screens before the age of two.

In response, Ocean Adventurers in Cheddar, part of Family Adventures Group’s network of award-winning nurseries, soft play centre, and early years settings, partnered with Sidcot School to launch the Offline Adventure, a free, screen-free activity pack designed to support families in rebalancing screen time in a realistic and accessible way.

Laura Filer, CMO and co-gounder of Family Adventures Group, said: “Parents tell us they want practical help, not pressure. Even a few minutes of offline play can make a noticeable difference. The Offline Adventure is about making those moments feel easy, joyful and completely achievable, even on the busiest days to support parents during school holidays.”

Family Adventures Group said the Offline Adventure forms part of a wider programme of work across its nursery settings aimed at supporting healthy development in the early years, while Sidcot School emphasised the importance of education and community engagement in addressing the issue.

Cath Dykes, head of Sidcot Junior School, said: “The Ocean Offline Adventure gives families a joyful, practical way to encourage those qualities without guilt, pressure or unrealistic expectations.”

Further phases of the Offline Adventure programme are expected to be rolled out later this year.