The long school break, often considered a welcome pause, has become a source of anxiety for many families. Without the stability of daily classes, many children experience boredom, disrupted routines, irregular sleep patterns, and reduced social interaction.
Key Findings
- Over half of UK parents are worried about the impact of summer holidays on their children’s mental health.
- 51% of parents also report feeling emotionally strained during the school break.
- Major stress factors include rising childcare costs, lack of structured activities, and excessive screen time.
A Growing Summer Wellbeing Crisis
Parents are feeling the pressure too. The average childcare cost in the UK now exceeds £150 per child per week, leaving many families unable to afford quality summer programmes. This financial burden forces kids to spend more time indoors and online, which experts warn may heighten stress, anxiety, and emotional withdrawal.
Charities Step In to Support Families
To address this growing issue, Sport in Mind is rolling out free activity sessions and youth wellness journals through the Holiday Activities Programme. These initiatives aim to:
- Keep children physically active
- Reduce sedentary screen habits
- Encourage positive social engagement
- Offer parents practical tools to track and support emotional wellbeing
Experts emphasize that staying active and maintaining light routines can protect mental health, while also fostering resilience and social skills in children.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Introduce gentle structure – Plan simple daily activities to give children a sense of rhythm.
- Limit screen exposure – Balance entertainment with physical or creative tasks.
- Prioritize movement – Outdoor games, family walks, or sports can reduce stress.
- Stay alert to warning signs – Look for sudden mood changes, irritability, or social withdrawal.
SEO Keywords to Target
- UK parents concerned about children’s mental health
- summer holidays screen time impact
- affordable mental health support for families
- Sport in Mind free activity sessions
- tips to protect children’s wellbeing during school break
