Helping families create more life beyond the screen.
What if families, schools and communities helped one another make more room for play, discovery and real-world connection?
Help a seed take root ↗Many of us would like our children to have more opportunities to play, explore, make things, be outdoors and simply spend time with other children. But making different choices can be difficult when we try to do it alone.
Screenfree Hubs is an idea for bringing families together to create those opportunities close to home. Not a campaign against technology. Not another set of rules for parents. Just people helping one another make more room for life beyond the screen.
We are starting across Gloucestershire rather than choosing one community in advance. Different places have different strengths, needs and opportunities. By planting several seeds, we can notice where there is energy, support and the right conditions for a Hub to emerge.
We don't know yet, and that's intentional. We're inviting parents and carers, schools, community groups and potential supporters from every part of Gloucestershire to come forward. We'll listen, explore what would help and see where the first gatherings naturally take root.
A Hub in one community may look different from a Hub elsewhere. What matters is that it grows from local people, local knowledge and what children and families actually need.
There is no launch date or finished programme. You don't need to be completely screen-free, or have all the answers. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to connect.
Tell us your name, your area of Gloucestershire, how you are connected to your community and what you'd like to see grow there. An expression of interest is simply the beginning of a conversation.
I'd like to help a seed grow ↗This opens an email to Ian. No form or mailing list is running on this site.
Simple, free guides for parents, young people and communities. Use them as they are, adapt the ideas to suit your family or school, and share what you discover.
Spot it in me, spot it in you. Ten funny phone characters help adults and children notice their own screen habits and talk about them kindly.
Try simple challenges together and make more room for sleep, play, nature and each other. No scores, no blame, just a small family experiment.
Phone-free in school. More childhood beyond it.
A practical starting point for two or three parents who want to understand the current guidance, approach their school constructively and help positive alternatives grow beyond the school gate.
A practical guide to safer settings, conversations and warning signs, including grooming and love bombing.
A child-friendly companion guide to help young people notice risks, protect themselves and ask for help.
Screenfree Hubs is part of a wider movement helping families make thoughtful choices about childhood and technology. These paths offer community, practical support and informed guidance.
These are independent organisations and resources whose work aligns with our aims. Links do not imply a formal partnership with Screenfree Hubs.
I'm Ian Banyard, a Gloucestershire parent, author and nature connection guide.
Screenfree Hubs grew from my family's experience and conversations with other parents about childhood in an increasingly digital world.
I don't have a finished solution. That's why I'm starting with families and communities, listening, learning and discovering what might grow together.
Get in touch ↗