We all know that too much phone time can have negative effects on our mental health, yet it can be hard to unplug completely. Even on family days out, many of us take sneaky glances at our phones to check e-mails or scroll through social media.

That’s why the operator of two popular family attractions has announced it’s introducing a mobile phone ban in their venues across the UK this half term, giving families more time to connect without the distractions of a smartphone. Adventure Leisure claim that the ban is the first of its kind in the UK, and a ‘phone patrol’ will be in place to ensure visitors aren’t playing with their devices.

Adventure Leisure own Mulligans, a chain of indoor crazy golf centres which also offer activities from pool to virtual reality games, and five Ninja Warrior UK venues. During February half term week – February 16 to 22 – its venues will become ‘no phone zones’ with families asked to switch their phones onto airplane mode on arrival. 

In a statement, the company said the move will allow “uninterrupted time to create lasting memories” for both adults and children. Families can instead focus on fun activities at Mulligans such as themed crazygolf, electro-darts, rebound shuffleboard, and even karaoke.

At Ninja Warrior UK, families can take on a variety of challenges at adventure parks which feature climbing frames, inflatables, and lots of physical activities inspired by the popular TV show.  

Families who visit Mulligans during February half-term will also get a 50% discount code that can be used for a second visit in March.

The decision to ban mobile phones for the upcoming February half-term was made in part due to a warning from Catherine,  Princess of Wales, who said screen time is causing an “epidemic of disconnection”.

In a joint essay written with Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, she spoke of the effects of overuse of mobile phones, warning: “We’re physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us.”

A recent study showed that adults in the UK are now spending  more time on mobiles than watching TV, with a daily screen time of seven and a half hours on average. The study also showed the ‘always on’ nature of using phones versus consuming TV content. While TV use spikes outside of working hours, mobile phone use remains steady during the day, meaning it can easily be a distraction during both work and leisure time. 

Adventure Leisure’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Brown, said, “We know how important spending quality time with your family is, so we wanted to create the best environment where our guests can make their memories. We’re really proud to be the first leisure operator to introduce an official ‘No Phone Zone’, and we hope to see others following suit in the future.”

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