Want to make the most of the summer holidays? Put your phone down

The summer holidays are easily one of the most expensive times of the year for parents - up there with Christmas. But many mums and dads are missing huge chunks of it because they’re stuck on their phones.

According to research by Virgin Media O2, more than three-quarters (76%) of parents of under-18s often pick up their phone without thinking.

In fact, almost half (48%) check their device at least 30 times a day without a specific reason, scrolling for an average of two hours and six minutes in total.

That works out to four whole days - and children are noticing.

Nearly two-thirds of kids (63%) say they don’t think their parents realise how much time they spend unintentionally scrolling.

Meanwhile, almost six in ten (58%) wish their parents were more present when they’re together.

Why this matters

We recently did a survey of working parents with household incomes of less than £50,000 and found that more than half (54%) are worried about being able to afford family activities over the summer.

And rather than let the kids go without, many are turning to borrowing to pay for it all, such as credit, overdrafts or buy now, pay later.

It’s clear that a huge number of parents are willing to risk financial difficulty and debt to make the summer holidays memorable for the kids.

So it seems contradictory that at the same time, many aren't paying complete attention to what's going on.

More than half (56%) of children aged eight to 16 said they think their parents’ phone use causes them to miss important family moments.

And almost half (48%) say they’ve had to repeat themselves because their mum or dad was on their phone.

That’s heartbreaking and a reminder that children don’t necessarily want or need parents to pay over the odds and fork out for extravagant trips and days out.

Often, they just want their mum and dad to be present.

Memories that money can’t buy

Nearly three-fifths of parents (63%) say they realise they weren’t fully present in life because they were on their phone.

And nearly all nine in ten children (85%) feel family time is more fun when everyone gives each other their full attention.

So if you find yourself thinking about forking out for a trip or activity you can't really afford, remember that one of the most valuable gifts you can give to your kids in the summer holidays is your time.

And if you do go on a family outing, or just fancy a quiet day together at home, keep your phone out of sight, and savour the moment.

It's those memories that will matter and they'll be priceless.