Free Pop-Up Play Café to Promote Healthy Digital Use

University of Hertfordshire Launches Pop-Up Play Café to Promote Healthy Digital Use

Introducing “Switch Off, Play On!”

This October half-term, the University of Hertfordshire is excited to unveil a free pop-up play café designed to promote healthy digital habits. The Switch Off, Play On! café will run from Tuesday, 29th October to Saturday, 2nd November at The Galleria in Hatfield. This initiative invites families to step away from their screens and rediscover the joy of traditional games, with over a hundred new and donated board games, puzzles, and toys available for exploration and enjoyment.

Understanding Problematic Use of the Internet

The café is linked to ongoing research by the University of Hertfordshire into Problematic Use of Internet (PUI), which examines how internet use can impact mental health and wellbeing. Drawing on insights from their publication, Learning to Deal with Problematic Usage of the Internet, the café aims to provide a welcoming and educational space. Families are encouraged to switch off their devices and connect over classic board games and simple play experiences, fostering a sense of community and interaction.

Café Details and Special Sessions

Hosted in a shop unit on the top floor of The Galleria, opposite Café Nero, Switch Off, Play On! will be open daily from 11am to 4pm, with a special opening time of 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday, 30th October. On this day, the café will also host a special SEN session in collaboration with the charity Potential Kids, which offers support to neurodivergent children and young people. This session runs from 10am to 12pm, and attendees are encouraged to book in advance.

Raising Awareness Through Engagement

This initiative is part of the wider ESRC Festival of Social Science 2024, a national event celebrating social science research through public engagement activities. The theme for this year is “Our Digital Lives,” and the café will feature interactive displays highlighting additional research from the University of Hertfordshire.

Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, expressed her enthusiasm:

“We’re thrilled to welcome families to our Switch Off, Play On! play café this October half-term. While providing a fun family experience, we aim to raise awareness of PUI and promote healthier behaviours around digital technology use. It’s essential to find a balance and recognise when our digital habits may need adjustment.”

Addressing Digital Health

Tim Stirling, Centre Director at The Galleria, added:

“Working with the University of Hertfordshire on this pop-up is fantastic. In our digitally driven world, initiatives like this are vital for educating the community about stepping away from screens and enjoying traditional play. It’s an opportunity to support positive mental health and wellbeing while creating lasting memories for families.”

Groundbreaking Research on Internet Use

The University of Hertfordshire, under the leadership of Consultant Psychiatrist Professor Naomi Fineberg, has led pioneering research into PUI, identifying issues such as gaming addiction, excessive social media use, and gambling. Their efforts resulted in the e-book Learning to Deal with Problematic Usage of the Internet, which offers research-backed guidance and tips for parents on managing internet use effectively.

“Our research highlights those most at risk of PUI and seeks to develop effective interventions. The play café aims to further raise awareness of these issues while providing practical strategies for families to foster healthier digital habits,” stated Professor Fineberg.

Join Us for a Memorable Experience

The ESRC Festival of Social Science, running from 19th October to 9th November 2024, features over 200 free events across the UK, highlighting vital social science research. From workshops to talks, the festival aims to enhance understanding of how social science research impacts everyday life.

For more details about Switch Off, Play On! and other events hosted by the University of Hertfordshire during the festival, visit their website. Don’t miss the chance to engage in a fun and educational experience this half-term!