FROM CINEMAS TO COUNTRY WALKS: HOW GEN ALPHA IS REDISCOVERING OFFLINE LIFE
For more than a decade, the narrative around childhood has been dominated by screens. Smartphones, tablets and streaming platforms have reshaped how young people socialise, learn and relax, prompting mounting concern among parents, educators and health professionals.
Yet emerging data suggests that a counter-movement may be taking hold. Generation Alpha — children aged between eight and 15 — appear to be re-evaluating how they spend their free time, with growing numbers favouring real-world experiences over digital consumption.
An analysis by Pipers Corner School of research by GWI (Global Web Index) points to a notable shift in preferences among this age group. Despite being the most digitally immersed generation to date, many Gen Alpha children are showing renewed interest in offline activities traditionally associated with childhood.
According to the findings, 44 per cent of children surveyed said they prefer watching films in the cinema rather than at home, while 15 per cent reported that seeing friends at the weekend was among their favourite activities. A further 13 per cent said they enjoy walking holidays and outdoor exploration, and 11 per cent identified physical education as their favourite subject.
Perhaps most striking is the decline in parental concern over excessive internet use. The share of parents describing their children’s internet usage as “heavy” has fallen by 17 per cent between 2021 and 2025, suggesting that screen habits may be moderating — or at least becoming more balanced — within some households.
The trend arrives against a backdrop of growing evidence linking excessive screen time to poor cardiovascular health, disrupted sleep, reduced physical fitness, heightened anxiety and weaker social skills. As awareness of these risks has increased, so too has pressure on families and schools to intervene earlier and more decisively; families can also find practical screen time and child development advice to help them set healthy boundaries
The shift also mirrors the growing influence of the smartphone-free childhood movement, which encourages parents and educators to delay smartphone access and prioritise real-world development over digital dependency.
“Childhood is being eroded by screens,” said Helen Ness-Gifford, headmistress of Pipers Corner School. “Smartphones take time away from exploration, creativity, and real-world social interaction. We believe in giving children the space to learn, play, and grow without constant digital distraction. Pipers Corner School operates a phone-free policy to support this approach.”
She added that the effects of reduced screen exposure are visible in the classroom. “We see first-hand that children thrive when screens are limited. When given space away from devices, they become more confident, resilient, imaginative, and socially capable. A childhood dominated by screens is not an inevitable future, it is a choice adults can still prevent.”
Schools, she argues, must go beyond blanket bans and play an active role in digital education. “Schools have a vital role not just in restricting screen time, but in educating young people on how to navigate the online world safely. As children grow, they need guidance to develop their own digital values and boundaries, aligned with their emotional intelligence. Teaching responsible and mindful use of technology empowers them to make choices that protect their wellbeing while still enjoying digital life.”
Experts increasingly emphasise that limiting screen time is only effective when meaningful alternatives are available. Outdoor play, creative activities and structured social interaction all play a critical role in sustaining engagement away from devices.
“A smartphone-free childhood is not about restriction; it is about safeguarding concentration, curiosity, emotional development, and real relationships,” Ness-Gifford said. “Screens are part of modern life, but creative and physical play is crucial to children’s social, emotional, and language development.”
She warned that excessive screen use risks crowding out formative experiences. “Excessive screens steal real-life friendships, hands-on play, and meaningful conversation. Children deserve a childhood grounded, not shaped by algorithms. Cutting screen time gives childhood back to children.”
As families enter a new year, many are experimenting with practical ways to rebalance digital and offline life, from screen-free zones at home to structured outdoor activities and community engagement.
“Childhood is too precious to be surrendered to screens; it belongs to laughter, creativity, and the real world,” Ness-Gifford concluded. “When adults lead, participate, and enforce consistent boundaries, children quickly rediscover how rich and exciting the offline world truly is.”
