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.

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.

While 60 percent of parents believe children should not be introduced to screens until between the ages of two and four, in practice 68 percent of children are exposed to screens before the age of two.

The research also highlights the pressures driving this behaviour. 72 percent of parents say they rely on screens to “get things done”. 58 percent use them to calm or distract during difficult moments, while 64 percent struggle to find low-cost, offline activities during school holidays.

Its findings reflect a wider national picture, with government data indicating that almost all children are regularly exposed to screens by the age of two.

Recently published UK Government guidance recommends limits of one hour per day for under-fives advising that children under two should not be exposed to screens alone.

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.

The free, screen-free activity pack is designed to support families in rebalancing screen time in a realistic and accessible way.

Rather than asking how to remove screens entirely, the initiative focuses on a more practical question: how to create more opportunities for curiosity, calm and connection alongside them.

“Parents tell us they want practical help, not pressure,” said Laura Filer, CMO and co-founder of Family Adventures Group.

“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,” she added.

Early engagement with the programme has been significant. More than 3,000 printed packs have been distributed, alongside more than 1,300 digital downloads, with strong levels of participation and feedback across the community.

Based on usage estimates, the initiative has supported between 2,100 and 6,500 hours of potential screen-free activity time.

Sidcot School’s involvement ensures the initiative remains firmly rooted in educational wellbeing and values-led child development.

The school has also been actively supporting the Smartphone Free Childhood movement, encouraging families to delay access to smartphones until at least age 16.

“At Sidcot, we believe children thrive when they are active, curious, and connected,” said Cath Dykes, head of Sidcot Junior School. “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.

Ocean Adventurers are running a free Power of Play Screen Time event on Thursday, June 25, with only limited spaces left. Sign up for the workshop at www.sidcot.org.uk/parent-workshops