Why I Co-Created Unplugged Tribe: A Journey Towards Digital Balance

Ask any parent of a teen or tween these days, and you’ll likely hear a familiar wish: "I just wish my kid could have the same simple childhood we had." As a mum to a 13-year-old, I echo that sentiment deeply. I remember days filled with bike rides, spontaneous adventures with friends, and conversations uninterrupted by notifications.

Today’s world feels very different, with screens at the centre of everything. This is what inspired me to co-create Unplugged Tribe—a community platform to help parents bring balance and intentionality back into their families’ lives.

The Impact of Social Media on Teens and Tweens

Social media promised us connection, yet so many parents see it drawing their children away from real-life experiences.

In the UK, nearly 9 out of 10 children aged 12-15 use social media, with many spending upwards of 3 hours a day on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Instead of carefree afternoons, they’re scrolling through highlights of others' lives, often at the expense of their own mental health. According to the Royal Society for Public Health, young people who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at a significantly higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

In Spain, where screen time among children is among the highest in Europe, the figures are just as worrying. Kids aged 8-12 spend around 6 hours online daily, with teenagers reaching up to 9 hours. Can you imagine what that kind of screen time does to their ability to be present, to simply enjoy the world around them?

Parents I speak to are saddened, wishing their kids could grow up with the simple joys of an offline childhood, just like they did.

Society’s Obsession with the Digital World

It’s not just our kids, though; society as a whole is caught up in this digital web. We’ve become obsessed with capturing and sharing every moment online, to the point that it’s changing how we experience life itself. From posting photos of every meal to taking selfies at every opportunity, we’re curating our lives for others rather than simply living them.

We’ve all seen the familiar sight of someone walking into a busy road, engrossed in their phone, oblivious to their surroundings. This constant need to document and share adds pressure to both young and old to present a picture-perfect life, leading to heightened stress and anxiety.

As adults, we’re often just as guilty—struggling to break free from screens yet wishing our kids could experience a simpler, more connected reality.

A Desire for Balance

Many parents I’ve spoken to reminisce about their own childhoods—times when playing outside, reading books, and sitting down for an uninterrupted family meal were part of everyday life. Now, they wish their children could have that same freedom from screens, that ability to be truly present.

But how do we find this balance in a world that relies so heavily on technology?

I believe the solution isn’t to turn away from technology but to redefine our relationship with it.

We need to teach our children—and remind ourselves—how to use technology intentionally, as a tool to enhance life rather than a substitute for real experiences.

This is the essence of Unplugged Tribe ??

The Mission of Unplugged Tribe

Unplugged Tribe is about creating a safe space where parents can find the support, education, and resources they need to raise kids with a balanced approach to technology.

Our mission is to empower parents to lead by example, helping their children navigate the digital world without losing sight of real-world connections. Our community is here to bring back some of that simplicity we so often wish for.

Launching in 2025, Unplugged Tribe will offer bilingual resources (English and Spanish) including expert talks, webinars, and courses on screen time management, understanding social media’s psychological effects, and creating tech-free zones at home. We aim to be more than just an online resource—we want to inspire real-life action and connection.

That’s why we’ll also organise offline events, led by local ambassadors, where families can engage in screen-free activities. Whether it’s a family picnic, a nature walk, or a retreat, these events are designed to remind kids and parents alike of the joys of simply being together—without a phone in hand.

Looking to the Future

I’m excited for the future of Unplugged Tribe because this is more than a project; it’s a mission to bring balance back to family life.

I want my child—and every child—to have the chance to experience real life in all its richness, just as we did. I don't believe it's too late to make those changes.

Together, we can build a community that embraces technology with intention, making sure it enhances rather than dominates our lives.

As we prepare to launch Unplugged Tribe, I invite parents everywhere to join us in rethinking our approach to digital life.

With Unplugged Tribe, we’re on a mission to reclaim real-life connections and create a world where families can thrive—both online and offline.

Join Us!

www.unpluggedtribe.com