Quick summary: New research reveals that 91% of UK families use electronic devices during shared time, prompting seventy five percent of parents to consider traditional, technology free seaside holidays to combat digital distraction. Experts indicate that intentionally disconnecting from screens during vacations successfully reduces cortisol levels, improves cognitive focus, and strengthens familial relationships through collaborative physical activities. For public policy and mental well-being, supporting these digital detox opportunities provides a vital intervention against widespread screen fatigue and anxiety, helping families restore presence and protect long-term emotional health.
As peak holiday season approaches, new research suggests that many UK families are turning to nostalgic, technology-free seaside breaks to reclaim quality time together amid growing concerns about digital distraction.
According to findings from Parkdean Resorts’ new “Parkdean: Unplugged” campaign, 3 in 4 families (75%) are open to the idea of a back-to-basics seaside holiday. The study highlights widespread recognition of the challenges posed by constant device use, revealing that only 1 in 3 (32%) families manage to spend uninterrupted time together daily. Furthermore, 91% of families admit to using devices during shared family time.
This theme of technology competing for attention has even featured prominently in the newly released Toy Story 5 film, where the beloved characters find themselves vying with devices for children’s focus.
In response to these distractions, interest in stepping away from screens is growing significantly. UK searches for “digital detox” have increased by 138% in the past year, while worldwide searches have surged by 1,358% in the same period.
An unplugged holiday is defined as a trip where participants intentionally disconnect and put down electronic devices. When surveyed, families identified several key attractions to this type of getaway, noting that spending better quality time with family was the top priority for 38% of respondents. Additionally, 28% highlighted the desire to feel more present, while 21% focused on improving their mental well-being.
To explore these advantages, Parkdean Resorts partnered with Practitioner Psychologist Dr Ravi Gill, who explains how unplugging can restore presence in daily life.
“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,” Dr Gill states. “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.”
Dr Gill adds: “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.”
Psychological benefits of disconnecting
Dr Gill outlined the top three benefits to health and well-being from an unplugged holiday
- Reduces cortisol levels: “A weekend away reduces environmental stressors (emails, notifications, and 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.”
Seaside holidays have long been a staple of British family life, offering opportunities for outdoor play, exploration, and simple joys away from daily routines. Anthony Reilly, Marketing Director at Parkdean Resorts, emphasised the importance of such experiences.
“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,” Reilly said.
“For many of us, some of the most treasured childhood memories were made on family holidays by the coast playing games, exploring outdoors, and being carefree. We really want to encourage people to rediscover that feeling by putting down their phones and spending time together.”
By encouraging a return to these traditions without digital interruptions, the campaign aligns with broader trends in mental health awareness, where experts increasingly discuss the impact of constant connectivity on family dynamics and individual well-being.
For more insights and advice on taking digital detox holidays or to book a summer holiday, visit the Parkdean website.