An Andover school will be the venue for a fun-filled, family-friendly event designed to help children reduce their screen time and engage in exciting, offline activities.

Rookwood School will host the event, organised by Oxford Active, on Saturday, October 5.

It aims to provide children aged 4-14 with an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of sports, games, arts, crafts, and more, all in a screen-free environment.

The event, which will run from 2 pm to 4 pm, offers a free taster of Oxford Active’s upcoming half term activity camps.

The camps are set to provide children with a variety of experiences that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction—key elements to helping kids stay active and engaged during the school holidays.

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Attendees at the taster event may even have the chance to try out some of Oxford Active’s thrilling ‘WOW’ activities, which promise to make the afternoon even more memorable.

The initiative comes at a time when concerns about children’s screen time are on the rise.

A study by Childwise has reported that children aged 7-8 spend an average of three hours online per day, with the number increasing to five hours for 15-16 year-olds.

Although these figures were recorded during the pandemic, a more recent survey by the BBC revealed that 79 per cent of parents believe their children's screen time has continued to rise since then.

The potential negative effects of excessive screen time, including disrupted sleep, eye strain, reduced social interactions, and decreased physical activity, have sparked widespread concern among parents.

Events like the one at Rookwood School aim to offer a healthy alternative by encouraging children to participate in more active, hands-on experiences that build confidence, foster friendships, and improve overall well-being.

For more information, visit oxfordactive.co.uk/active-camps/rookwood-school/