Just as a range of airlines prepare to launch Starlink Wi-Fi on flights, an easyJet survey has found evidence that ubiquitous connectivity is a barrier to meaningful human connections. Nearly 70% of parents asked by easyJet said a holiday is their best chance to bond well with their children, but two-thirds of them complained that “finding quality time together as a family is becoming harder”, pointing to the online world as partly to blame.
The research asked 2,000 British parents and children aged 11-to-17, about their habits, use of time, and opportunities to connect with family. One shocking headline from the findings is that nearly a quarter of the young people surveyed said they know social media influencers better than they know their own parents.
Not enough conversation
It’s a dynamic that parents are worried about. With the day-to-day consumed by personal devices, social media and busy schedules, 85% of parents are concerned about “not having enough conversations around the important issues facing young people today together,” the easyJet press release said. Over 70% of adults admit they themselves spend too much time online, and a large majority (60%) acknowledge social media is a problem.
However, 69% of parents say holidays provide their best opportunity to enjoy quality time with their children, leading to improvements in mood and well-being. With that in mind, easyJet has launched an initiative that it is dubbing “Airplane Mode”. It will see the airline distributing a new and free “conversation-sparking holiday card game to help families switch off and reconnect.”
Devised with the support of presenter, activist and mum, Katie Piper, and child development expert Tanith Carey, “Airplane Mode” aims to promote self-worth, positive body image and positive masculinity, spanning categories such as people, places, work and school. It also features charade-style challenges and prompts “to share advice and meaningful experiences with each other,” easyJet says.
“Relax, reconnect and make memories”
Kenton Jarvis, easyJet’s CEO, said the carrier hopes the initiative will mean “the thousands of families flying with us can take a moment to relax, reconnect and make meaningful memories from the moment they board.”
Carey said the game provides the chance for families to “learn more about each other and strengthen their bond,” and added: “Playing card games like this one as a family on holiday sends the message that spending quality time with your children is going to be a priority for you from the outset of your holiday – and helps create a sense of togetherness from the start.”
Carey believes the game boosts “life skills” through sharing, questioning, and allowing children to answer at their own pace, while reminding people to maximise “real-life experiences by putting away your phone on your break unless you need it for your travel plans or taking photos and videos.”
Over 6,000 game packs will be available throughout the summer from a number of easyJet airports across the UK, including London Gatwick, Luton, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
