Screens off, Fun on (NL)

Children are getting their own smartphones at an increasingly early age. In Flanders, this happens on average before their tenth birthday. But is that really necessary? As a parent, how do you deal with peer pressure and screen time? And what if your child asks for their own device?

To mark the screen-free youth library at Muntpunt, we’ll be in conversation with Kids Unplugged and the authors of the book ‘Why a smartphone can wait’. They’ll share insights from research as well as their own experiences as parents. Together, we’ll explore how you can delay smartphone use and what alternatives are available. And how can you prepare children for a digital future? An inspiring discussion for parents and anyone who wants to reflect on the role of screens in family life.

About the speakers

Lies Craeynest and Ankatrin Pessemier are the founders of Kids Unplugged, a Belgian initiative that advocates for a smartphone-free childhood up to the age of 14 and a minimum age of 16 for social media. Lies Craeynest is a Brussels-based mother of two and an expert in technology and sustainability. She actively draws attention to the impact of screen time on children’s mental development. Ankatrin Pessemier is, alongside her work for Kids Unplugged, also a teacher.

Jessica van de Ven is the coordinator of Brussels Academy. As a mother, she brings her own experiences to the discussion. Together with the other speakers, she will explore parenting in a digital world, screen time and delaying the first smartphone.

Practical information

Everyone is welcome from 12.15 pm for a bowl of vegetarian soup, in collaboration with Atelier Groot Eiland
The talk begins at 12.30 pm
Afterwards, there will be time for questions from the audience
Registration is recommended but not compulsory

‘Tussen de soep en de feiten’ is a collaboration between Brussels Academy, CCV, Citizenne, CM, Curieus, Davidsfonds, huisvandeMens, Humanistisch Verbond, Internationaal Comité, Louis Paul Boonkring, Masereelfonds, Mensen & Wetenschap, Muntpunt, Odisee, OKRA, UCOS, Vermeylenfonds, VUB and Willemsfonds.