At Imagination Gaming, we’ve always believed children need more play, more connection and more real-world experiences, not more screens.
The recent UK discussion around restricting children’s access to social media has sparked strong opinions.
Some say it’s unrealistic.
Some say it limits freedom.
Some say it doesn’t tackle the real issues.
But behind all the debate, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:
Children don’t need more screens.
They need more spaces to play, connect, imagine and grow.
At Imagination Gaming, this isn’t a new idea.
It’s been the foundation of everything we’ve done for over 18 years.
A Conversation That’s Been a Long Time Coming
The concerns driving this debate aren’t abstract. They’re rooted in what families, schools and communities are seeing every day:
Rising anxiety and low confidence
Shorter attention spans
Reduced face-to-face social skills
Less active, creative play
Increased emotional comparison and pressure
Social media isn’t the only cause, but it has become a powerful amplifier.
And the real question isn’t just ‘Should children be on social media?’
It’s ‘What alternatives are we offering them instead?’
Why Less Screen Time Needs More Real Play
At Imagination Gaming, we’ve seen first-hand what happens when children are given engaging, structured, real-world activities instead of another digital distraction.
Our games-based learning programmes, holiday clubs and community sessions are designed to help children:
- Build confidence through doing, not scrolling
- Develop social skills through teamwork and shared challenges
- Improve emotional wellbeing through positive interaction
- Strengthen focus and resilience through play-based learning
- Feel included, capable and valued
These aren’t theoretical benefits. They’re outcomes we’ve been delivering for nearly two decades across schools, councils and communities throughout the UK.
This Debate Isn’t About Restriction, It’s About Redirection
The idea of limiting social media for children isn’t about taking something away.
It’s about creating space for something better.
- Better connection
- Better confidence
- Better creativity
- Better wellbeing
- Better childhood experiences
When screens take up less room in a child’s life, families start asking better questions:
Where can my child go after school?
What will keep them active and engaged in the holidays?
Who can I trust to support their wellbeing?
What will genuinely help them grow?
For us, this moment doesn’t represent a threat or a trend.
It represents recognition.
“We’ve Been Here All Along”
For over 18 years, Imagination Gaming has championed:
- Screen-free play
- Inclusive activity provision
- Games-based learning
- Community connection
- Child wellbeing through fun, structure and imagination
While the world has been moving faster and becoming more digital, we’ve stayed focused on what children actually need to thrive.
This national conversation isn’t new to us. It’s catching up to what parents, teachers and providers have already known for years.
What Comes Next
If the landscape shifts, even slightly, one thing is certain, families will seek trusted, structured, engaging alternatives to screen time.
That’s where community providers, holiday clubs and activity organisations, like us, step forward.
Not to replace screens with boredom, but to replace them with belonging, creativity, movement and meaningful play.
At Imagination Gaming, we’re proud to say we’ve been building that alternative for 18 years and we’re ready for the next chapter.
Contact Us:
If you’re a school, council or parent looking for engaging, screen-free activity provision, we’d love to talk.
Because children don’t need more apps.
They need more imagination.
