Could Your Phone Be Getting in the Way of Your Child’s Happiness? Cornwall Council Says It Might Be Time to Put It Down

Published On: 23 October 2025Last Updated: 23 October 2025By CornishStuff

Cornwall Council is encouraging parents and carers to spend more time engaging with their children through its new “Phones Away – Talk and Play” campaign. The message is simple: small everyday moments matter when it comes to a child’s development.

Encouraging Families to Reconnect

The campaign, launched by Cornwall Council, aims to help parents recognise how screen time can affect their ability to connect with their children. Funded by the UK Government’s Best Start in Life programme, it’s a collaboration between Public Health Cornwall and Together for Families, with support from Health Visiting, Early Years Inclusion and SEND, and the NHS Thriving Together Parent-Infant Service.

In a survey of more than 400 parents and carers in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, over half said phone use sometimes distracts them from noticing their children, and more than a third admitted they worry about how often they use their phone around them.

Why It Matters

According to the council, 90% of a child’s brain growth happens before the age of five, with development shaped by the adults around them. Everyday moments such as talking, smiling, and playing help build the social and emotional skills children need to thrive.

The campaign highlights that when parents are distracted by screens, they may miss small but powerful opportunities for connection. Mealtimes, playtime and bedtime stories are all moments that help strengthen bonds and support learning.

A Supportive Approach

“Phones Away – Talk and Play” is not about criticism but about encouragement. It offers simple ways to engage children through conversation, play and shared time together.

Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools, said:

“This isn’t about judgement. We know that being a parent today means juggling a lot – work, home life, and the constant buzz of notifications. Mobile phones are part of everyday life, helping us to connect to others and get things done, but parents and children have told us that sometimes, phone use can get in the way of the moments that matter most.

“This campaign is about recognising the pressures families face and offering simple ways to connect with your child, through play, conversation, and shared time together.”

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, added:

“Whether you’re looking for ideas, reassurance, or just a reminder to pause and be present, the Cornwall Council website has lots of resources that can help.

“What might seem simple, or silly can have the power to be life-changing! Every smile, cuddle, chat and game makes a huge difference. Anytime, anywhere, whether at home or out and about, it all adds up.”

Free Resources for Parents

The Cornwall Council website has links to a wide range of free tools and activity ideas designed to help families make the most of their time together.

Local Libraries – free access to books, events and activities for children and teenagers.
Cornwall Family Information Service – advice on family support, childcare, and things to do locally.
Best Start in Life – ideas on using everyday moments like cooking and playing to boost learning.
CBeebies Parenting – free, fun activities to help children thrive.
Easy Peasy app – free parenting advice and activity ideas for children from birth to five.
Words for Life – quick tips to boost literacy through play and reading.
Chat Play Read activity booklet – simple activities to support babies’ and toddlers’ communication.
Active Cornwall: 52 activity ideas from birth – weekly physical play ideas needing little or no equipment.
Active Cornwall: 52 more physical play ideas – more play ideas for children aged 1–2 years.
Look, Say, Sing, Play – tips and weekly emails from the NSPCC for parents.
Healthy Movers Activity Cards – free downloads with play ideas to help little ones move and grow.