Beth Alaw Williams

Parents in Wales describe different ways of managing children’s screen use during the summer holidays, including timers, phone-free periods and informal monitoring. Research cited by Vodafone suggests young people may spend 42% more time on phones during the break, while UK government guidance highlights the difficulty many parents have controlling screen time. Child psychologist Dr Nia Williams says excessive use can affect behaviour and sleep, but a short-term increase is unlikely to cause lasting harm; she recommends that parents model healthy habits, establish technology-free zones and seek free outdoor activities while maintaining a balanced approach.

Children may spend significantly more time on phones and gaming devices during the summer holidays, although individual habits vary widely. Welsh families and pupils describe using alarms, parental permission, device curfews and occasional confiscation to manage screen use. Child psychologist Dr Nia Williams says parents should model balanced behaviour, establish technology-free spaces and seek free local activities, while recognising that screens can have educational and social benefits. A temporary increase during the holidays is unlikely to be broadly harmful if children return to healthier routines afterward.