Screens and homework harming children's creativity, parents say

Screens and homework harming children's creativity, parents say Parents believe digital devices are impacting their child's creativity - along with homework and busy routines. Three quarters of parents believe their children's creativity is being stifled by screen time, homework and over-scheduled lives. A survey of 2,000 parents revealed that youngsters spending excessive time on digital devices (49%) was the single biggest obstacle to them developing their creativity. This was followed by homework (47%), hectic morning and evening routines (29%) and insufficient free time after school (20%). However, parents also confessed their own commitments are not helping. As well as feeling tired, 62% say work obligations frequently prevent them from supporting their child with creative pursuits. This was along with having to manage household and family duties. Parenting expert Sue Atkins has joined forces with Ben's Original, which commissioned the study, to assist parents in reducing mealtime stress and enabling families to discover more time for creativity together. Sue Atkins said: “Creativity doesn’t have to mean expensive toys, elaborate activities or hours spent making things. “Some of the loveliest opportunities for children to use their imaginations happen in everyday moments - helping prepare dinner, inventing stories or simply chatting around the table. “When children are invited to join in, experiment and have fun without worrying about getting things right, they’re building confidence, curiosity and connection.” The research emerges as Ben's Original has partnered with BBC Children in Need, launching limited-edition Pudsey microwaveable rice packs and unveiling its "Do Something Great with Every Plate" campaign, pledging £200,000 to support children and young people facing challenges across the UK. The research revealed that 84% of parents believe children are under more pressure than ever before, while 56% admitted their little ones avoid creative activities for fear of 'getting it wrong'. School tests and grades (57%), expectations from adults (49%) and fear of being laughed at (48%) were amongst the key contributing factors. Despite this, 41% of parents are keen to enjoy more imaginative activities with their children. Those looking to nurture creativity do so to boost their child's confidence and self-expression (75%), happiness and mood (68%) and mental health and emotional wellbeing (64%). With parents noticing their children are happier (31%), calmer (23%), and more confident (20%). Celebrity Ashley Banjo joined members of Devas Youth Club to help unleash their creativity by painting custom designs onto plates, followed by a DIY dinner. Ashley Banjo said: “As a dancer, you quickly learn that you’re not going to get every move right the first time. You have to give it a go, get things wrong and keep going; that’s all part of the fun. “I loved seeing the kids at the youth club this week, seeing them lose themselves in creativity, then sit down for a meal together. “It was a reminder of why spaces and wider initiatives like this are so important in local communities." Find out more about how to support here. TOP 10 THINGS THAT HOLD KIDS BACK FROM BEING CREATIVE: - Screen time - Schoolwork or homework - Busy evening routine - Busy morning routine - A busy schedule of lessons or structured activities - Not enough free time after school - The cost of activities or materials - Not having friends nearby to play with - Safety concerns - Not enough space at home