Vodafone launch new handheld device ‘The Stick’ to get kids outdoors

The Stick is a new campaign celebrating the original multi-purpose device which children have played with throughout history as more families aim to spend time in nature this summer

It’s the must-have device of the summer, guaranteed to keep children and adults entertained for hours on end. But this is one “gadget” that doesn’t come with a price tag – in fact it doesn’t cost a thing.

Vodafone, in partnership with the UK’s National Parks, today unveiled The Stick in a new campaign celebrating the original multi-purpose device which children have played with throughout history.

The aim is to encourage families to swap screen time for green time, and enjoy being outside during the long summer holidays. The campaign includes a “Stick-tionary”, dubbed the ultimate guide to enjoying nature’s very own smart device.

It can be downloaded here and is packed with ideas to encourage curiosity and adventure, plus tips on how technology can support learning and connection outside.

Gavin Capstick, CEO, Lake District National Parks, said: “Some of the best outdoor adventures start with the simplest things. A stick can become almost anything a child wants it to be, and that’s exactly why it’s such a powerful tool for imagination and play.

“National Parks are places where families can spend time together, build confidence, connect with and learn more about nature, and create lasting memories.”

New research by Vodafone found that 94% of parents want to spend more time outdoors with their families this summer, with 55% saying nature trips make up some of their happiest memories.

But it’s not about ditching devices completely, in fact 51% of parents use them to encourage children to spend time outside with many looking up answers to questions about nature, insects and birds.

Nicki Lyons, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer, VodafoneThree, said: “Helping people build healthy digital habits has long been a priority for us.

“We’re excited to see families using technology in purposeful ways to swap screen time for green time – sparking curiosity, building confidence and encouraging more time outdoors.”

The survey also found 83% feel safer knowing they can stay connected in an emergency, while 81% of children agreed it’s important to strike a healthy balance between screen time and outdoor play.

Around half of children surveyed said being outdoors made them feel happy – and that playing outside with family and friends ranked top of their favourite ways to pass time.

Helen Dodd, professor of child psychology, Exeter Medical School said: “When children have the opportunity to direct their own play, they’re doing much more than simply keeping themselves entertained.

“These everyday moments, like playing outdoors and re-imagining the use of a stick, help children build independence and resilience, while giving them the freedom to engage with the world in ways that feel meaningful and enjoyable to them.”

Top tips for app-venturing

Make it an adventure: Children have a natural drive to explore and push boundaries. Because of this, framing a walk as an ‘expedition’ or an ‘adventure’ is often much more appealing to children and can help generate more enthusiasm. Get them to help pack supplies, try a new route or create a simple nature treasure hunt to make time outdoors more exciting.

Let the kids lead: Feeling trusted and capable helps build confidence and supports wellbeing. So, look out for opportunities to let children lead and have autonomy. Take a map and let them make decisions about which way to go. This communicates to them that you trust them and believe they can do it.

Make space for play: Leave time for building dens or splashing in streams. Adventurous play in nature can support good mental health – research shows that the more time children spend playing outdoors, the lower their symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Build a connection with nature: Feeling connected to nature has been linked to greater happiness and wellbeing, so encourage children to notice what they can see, hear, smell and feel, and interact with nature by identifying birds and trees together or picking up pine cones. Even if you don’t know the names of things, there are some brilliant apps that can help you learn together.

Map out the day: Set clear expectations, plans and limits. Making plans clear in advance means children know what they will be doing and when. This can help with transitions for example from screen-based play to going outdoors. Predictability reduces uncertainty, which in turn reduces anxiety. It also gives children more of a sense of control.