Only 1 in 3 families manage to spend uninterrupted time together every day, according to new research highlighting growing concerns over screen use during shared moments.
Parkdean Resorts has launched its Parkdean Unplugged campaign after finding that 3 in 4 families, or 75%, are open to the idea of a nostalgic back-to-basics seaside holiday. The research points to limited family connection as a key factor, with only 1 in 3, or 32%, of families managing to spend uninterrupted time together daily. Some 91% admitted to using devices during shared family time.
Being disconnected and spending too much time on devices has been an ongoing conversation. It has even been a central theme throughout the newly released Toy Story 5 film, where the characters find themselves competing with technology for children’s attention.
According to the research, the things that appeal most to families about an unplugged holiday, a trip where you intentionally disconnect and put down your electronic devices, are being able to spend better-quality time with family at 38%, improving their mental well-being at 21%, and feeling more present at 28%.
“With us all being ‘online’ all the time, constantly connected, scrolling, and multitasking, lots of research studies show the link with screen fatigue, anxiety, and distracted attention.”
“Unplugging offers a decompression from the ‘always-on’ digital world, replacing endless notifications with slower, more focused time that invites presence and sensory engagement rather than rapid digital consumption.”
“For many people, particularly Gen Z, unplugged retreats align with values around sustainability, slow living, and authenticity. Engaging in time away from screens intentionally, away from productivity culture, reinforces a sense of chosen identity rather than reactive living.”
The health benefits of an unplugged holiday
Dr Gill outlined three key benefits to health and well-being
- Reduces cortisol levels: “A weekend away reduces environmental stressors (emails, notifications, routines) and allows the body to downshift more fully into parasympathetic regulation. When combined with slow, hands-on activities, this can meaningfully reduce cortisol and mental fatigue.”
- Improves focus: “Attention Restoration Theory suggests that natural, low-demand environments help replenish depleted cognitive resources. Unplugged activities like gardening retreats, craft weekends, and baking workshops all allow ‘soft fascination’, which restores focus better than passive screen time.”
- Strengthens relationships: “Shared tactile activities (cooking together, crafting, planting) increase cooperation, eye contact, and attuned conversation. Oxytocin and social synchrony tend to increase during collaborative physical tasks, strengthening relationships more than parallel digital interaction.”
Anthony Reilly, Marketing Director at Parkdean Resorts, has also commented on the rise of screen-free holidays. “Creating opportunities for families to spend quality time together is at the heart of what we do. We want to make it easy for guests of all ages to step away from the distractions of everyday life, connect with one another, and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.”
This summer, Parkdean is encouraging everyone to consider taking time away from screens in order to relax, be present, and focus on real-life experiences while spending quality time with loved ones.
For more insights and advice on taking digital detox holidays or to book a summer holiday, visit the Parkdean website.