UK Leisure Operator Bans Phones at Attractions to Boost Family Connection
In a pioneering move to foster genuine family interaction, Adventure Leisure has announced it will implement a comprehensive mobile phone ban across its UK attractions during the upcoming February half term. The operator, which runs Mulligans indoor crazy golf centres and Ninja Warrior UK adventure parks, aims to create distraction-free environments where parents and children can fully engage with each other and the activities on offer.
Creating "No Phone Zones" Across Popular Venues
Throughout the half term week running from February 16 to 22, all Adventure Leisure locations will transform into designated "no phone zones." Upon entry, families will be requested to switch their devices to airplane mode and keep them stored away. The company plans to deploy a "phone patrol" to ensure compliance, describing this initiative as the first of its kind in Britain's leisure industry.
Stephen Brown, Chief Operating Officer at Adventure Leisure, explained the motivation behind the ban: "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."
Enhanced Activities Without Digital Distractions
At Mulligans venues, families can immerse themselves in numerous entertainment options without smartphone interruptions. These include themed crazy golf courses, electro-darts, rebound shuffleboard, karaoke sessions, pool tables, and virtual reality experiences. Meanwhile, Ninja Warrior UK locations offer physical challenges featuring climbing frames, inflatables, and obstacle courses inspired by the popular television programme.
As an additional incentive, families visiting Mulligans during the phone-free half term will receive a 50% discount voucher valid for a return visit in March. This encourages continued engagement with the attractions beyond the initial experience.
Addressing Growing Concerns About Screen Time
The phone ban initiative arrives amid increasing concerns about excessive screen time and its impact on family relationships. Recent research reveals that British adults now spend more than seven and a half hours daily on screens, surpassing television viewing time. Unlike television consumption which typically peaks outside working hours, mobile phone usage remains constant throughout the day, creating persistent distractions during both professional and personal time.
These concerns were recently highlighted by Catherine, Princess of Wales, who warned about an "epidemic of disconnection" fueled by smartphone overuse. Writing alongside Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, she cautioned: "We're physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us."
Adventure Leisure's company statement emphasizes that the phone-free policy will enable "uninterrupted time to create lasting memories" for families. By temporarily removing digital distractions, the operator hopes to enhance the quality of shared experiences and strengthen family bonds during what many consider precious holiday time together.
