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Two thirds of parents admit they turn on social media – and turn off time with the kids
Two thirds of parents admit they turn on social media – and turn off time with the kids
- Average 37 minutes of quality family time on weekdays, for families in the south
- 46% say multi-screening – tablet use, smartphone calls and TV – blight evening meals
- Brittany Ferries launches kids go free to France offer : urges families to “reconnect by sea”
More than two thirds of parents in the south admit to turning on their smartphones and social media rather than spending quality time with their kids – playing football, discussing events of the day or reading bedtime stories. That’s despite more than four in five (84%) complaining that modern technology gets in the way of quality family time.
The findings come from a study commissioned by Discover Ferries, the body representing the ferry sector, among more than 2,000 people across the UK. It revealed that families in the south spend on average 37 minutes of quality time together on weekdays and just over two and a half hours together on a Saturday or a Sunday.
When asked if they felt family holidays were the only window for quality time together, more than half (57%) in the south said yes, they believed this to be true. That compares with a UK average where nearly two thirds (64.7%) agree that family holidays are the only significant opportunity for family time.
“As a parent I’m not surprised by these findings,” said Mike Bevens commercial director, Brittany Ferries. “I know how easy it can be to be caught up in the daily routine – and the pull of our smartphones. The digital age has brought huge advances in business and leisure, but sometimes we need to disconnect to reconnect, particularly with our children. A holiday can be the perfect opportunity to turn off our phones, relax and enjoy time together.”
Brittany Ferries believes a relaxing voyage by sea should be the starting point to re-embrace the family mojo. Standing on deck to enjoy beautiful views on departure, fine dining on board and entertainment that includes cinemas and live shows all lend themselves to experiences to remember, together.
But destinations in France present an even bigger canvas for connectivity and the company has just launched a Kids Go Free to France offer to help families discover more. Sweeping beaches, car-free cycle routes and vibrant local markets make spring a fabulous time to visit, with savings of up to £100 on offer for a family of four travelling with their car at half term or Easter.
Up to two children travel free (15 years or under) when carried in the same vehicle. And there’s a choice of morning or afternoon departures from the UK and France. Passengers can mix and match routes too, to make the most of their time away, while additional children travel from just £25 each way.
Book by midnight 8 April, for travel between now and 30 April 2017: http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/offers/ferry/kids-travel-free
Ends.
About Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries is a passenger car and freight service operating from eleven ports, linking four countries: UK – France, UK – Spain and Ireland – France. The company was set up by a collective of French farmers as a freight-only operator, running from Roscoff in Brittany to Plymouth with the first crossing taking place on 1 January 1973, the date the United Kingdom joined the EEC (forerunner to the EU).
The aim then was to bring French agricultural products to a wider British market. However, the service quickly developed into an operation carrying hundreds of thousands of British tourists, eager to experience the delights of Brittany and Normandy. Today Brittany Ferries is the market leader on the Western Channel for passengers and for freight. It is also a leading supplier of ferry-inclusive motoring holidays to France and Spain. Further information can be found by visiting: www.brittanyferries.com.
Contact:
Christopher Jones on 02392 402 965 or 07917 540 878 or [email protected]
Nigel Wonnacott on 02392 402 943 or 07833 446 729 or [email protected]