There are many details parents check when choosing a holiday camp for their kids and 'screen-free' is now becoming an important quality. Smartphones are carried everywhere these days by children and screen-based learning has become commonplace. The Strings Club founder Amy Cunningham is proud to say "we are screen-free"! 

"Our camps provide fun-packed days filled with music making and interactive fun. The addictive nature of phones and the distraction of screens takes away from a child's ability to fully immerse themselves in our wonderful timetable of bespoke activities and opportunities to make new friends and connect with our fantastic staff."

"We want kids to be kids and parents tell us they are are relieved to know there is no screen time at The Strings Club."

Smartphones weren't designed with kids in mind – but they’ve reshaped childhood almost overnight. In the UK, a quarter of children aged 5 to 7 own a smartphone. On average, kids get their first smartphone aged nine!


Instead of growing up slowly, children are being pulled into a digital world built to keep them hooked. Smartphones impact kids’ development, mental health and relationships.

We spoke with Daisy Greenwell, co-founder and director of the parent-led movement Smartphone Free Childhood, about why screen-free camps are important.

Founded in February 2024, Smartphone Free Childhood is now a community of over 350,000 parents working together to stand up for healthier, happier childhoods.

They’ve made it their mission to provide solidarity, support and solutions to parents who are struggling with what’s become one of the defining parenting challenges of our time. And they’re using the voice of the SFC community to push for more support from the government in the battle to reclaim childhood from Big Tech's addictive algorithms.

Daisy, why is it important for holiday camps to be screen-free and smartphone-free?

“Screen-free camps give children real connection, real play, and the chance to be completely absorbed in the moment. Childhood is meant to be noisy, creative and full of movement – and a screen-free setting gives kids the freedom to do exactly that.”

What are the benefits to children at a screen-free camp?

“When children are away from screens – especially smartphones – they come alive in different ways. They become more collaborative, imaginative, and present. They learn how to solve problems, navigate friendships, and build confidence without a filter or a feed. And that’s not just good for their brains – it’s good for their hearts, too.”

What peace of mind does a screen-free guarantee give parents?

“For parents, knowing their child is at a smartphone-free camp brings huge peace of mind. They know their child isn’t being pulled into addictive algorithms, exposed to inappropriate content, or stuck on the sidelines of real life. Instead, they’re safe, engaged, and immersed in something meaningful.”

Sign up for a joyful, interactive and screen-free summer camp today with The Strings Club.

Visit the Smartphone Free Childhood website to join your local parent group, sign their parent pact and find loads of helpful resources! Parent power!