Screen Time Outside of School Hours: Why It's a Bigger Issue Than You Think

Screen Time and the Summer Holidays

The summer holidays are in full swing, and while this time of year brings fun and freedom for children, it also brings new challenges for parents. One of the biggest? Screen time.

With long days to fill, many families lean more heavily on digital devices. While some screen time is ok, new research shows that children's device use is at its highest during school holidays, leaving many parents concerned.

Screen time is peaking outside of school hours

Our latest research of 1,500 parents highlights just how much screen time is creeping into children's daily lives:

• 65% of parents say their child uses digital devices after school, more than at any other time of day

• 57% report screen time spikes again in the evening

• 51% see high usage during school holidays

For primary-aged children, 29% spend two or more hours per day on screens during the school week, and that number jumps to 67% during the holidays.

These numbers aren't just stats; they reflect the reality facing millions of parents who try to balance work, home life, and the wellbeing of their children.

Screen time and inequality

Our research reveals that screen time is highest among children from low-income households and those attending state-funded primary schools, particularly outside of before and after school. This aligns with what parents have told us about affordability: 1 in 2 parents say the cost of wraparound care has affected their ability to work, and 28% have reduced their working hours to manage school pick-up.

We also found that 73% of parents would be more likely to use wraparound care if it were more affordable, and 86% say access to affordable childcare is important. When care isn't accessible or within financial reach, families are left without options. For many, that means more time in front of screens instead of opportunities to participate in enriching activities, build friendships, be active, and explore new interests. It's not a matter of choice, but of circumstance. And for families already navigating financial pressure, that gap only widens.

This lack of access doesn't just affect daily routines; it deepens inequality. Without safe, enriching spaces outside of school, children miss out on vital opportunities to grow, connect and thrive.

Parents are concerned

An overwhelming 85% of parents told us they're worried about how much time their children spend on digital devices outside of school. And interestingly, those who use wraparound care are more likely to be concerned, perhaps because they've seen the benefits of more structured, engaging environments outside of school hours.

In fact, parents whose children attend wraparound care report lower levels of screen time during peak hours. Just 26% of these parents say their children spend 2+ hours a day on screens during the week, compared to 34% of parents whose children don't attend.

What happens when screen time takes over?

Studies have shown that too much screen time can impact a child's ability to focus, disrupt sleep, and reduce their motivation to engage in creative or physical play. While screens are a regular part of modern life, relying on them too heavily can limit children's opportunities to build friendships, develop social skills, and discover new interests.

Children need balance, and the right environments can help them achieve it. When the after-school or holiday period is filled with enriching activities and structured play, screen time becomes a choice rather than the default.

How JAG is helping to break the cycle

At Junior Adventures Group UK, we operate a no-screen policy across all our clubs. That means children don't spend time on devices before and after school or during school holidays. Instead, they keep active, build skills, participate in hands-on activities, and work together.

During the school holidays, our Holiday HQ clubs are packed with themed days and hands-on experiences that give children more of what they need: movement, social connection, and fun. As we look ahead to September, our wraparound care continues that screen-free, enriching experience, helping children stay active and supported all year round.

We're also committed to making our clubs as accessible as possible. From flexible payment plans to government-funded schemes like Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit, we offer a range of support to help families access the care they need. You can read more about our support options in our guide here.

We believe in creating structured, engaging environments that support physical health, mental wellbeing, and social development, giving children what they need after the bell rings.

Want to reduce screen time and give your child more this summer and beyond?

Book now for our Holiday HQ clubs or explore our before and after school care for September.