Vodafone launches Search for UK's Most Disconnected Family
We are family, as the disco classic goes... but not all the time. During the week a quarter of all families spend an hour or less together without distractions - that's just eight minutes, thirty-six seconds on average each day, according to new research from Vodafone UK.
Minutes not hours together
Showing what busy lives we have, the survey of almost 1,800 'family members' across the UK revealed that the majority of families spend an average of 17minutes, 24 seconds together every day. It also found that the younger generation engages least in family life, with two thirds of 16-24-year-olds spending between two and three hours of quality time together each week.
Whilst almost half of those polled say that 'kids doing their own thing' is a reason for not being together, almost as many - four out of ten - have no idea why they can't spend more time talking to each other. In fact one third of all respondents said their main way of communicating is not face to face. This leaps to almost half when looking at the 16 - 34 year old age group.
What is to blame?
The main 'disconnector' is work, blamed by seven in ten for preventing more contact with family. But when we do have the chance to catch-up, there are other distractions: 47% say computer games and TV are the biggest reasons for not spending quality time with the family.
While it may seem that traditional family life is slowly disconnecting, in reality we are very keen to keep in touch with our nearest and dearest. Over 70% acknowledge we are not spending enough time together and, more importantly, want to do something about it.
Who is the most disconnected family?
With this in mind, Vodafone is launching the search for the UK's most disconnected family - the family that, for one reason or another, isn't getting enough quality time together. Simply visit www.vodafonechristmas.co.uk and submit up to 500 words on why your family is the UK's most disconnected for the chance to win the ultimate Christmas. The prize includes GBP 4,000 to spend on your family Christmas and a professional 'Christmas Planner' to help take the stress out of everything, from gift buying to food shopping.
About the survey
The Disconnected Families research for Vodafone surveyed 1,787 adults aged 16 and over. Further information is available with regional, gender and age statistics.
The sample was filtered to only include only parents and guardians of fulltime dependents of any age; and those who are part of a wider family unit without legal dependency obligations (such as parents of adult children, or relatives in a larger family).
We have been able to establish from the group how 'connected' or 'disconnected' modern families are by:
- Quantifying the average amount of 'quality time' the majority of families spend together each week
- Identifying the main external barriers, or 'disconnectors' to spending more family time together, such as work, studies and hobbies
- Measuring the preferred channels for communication between family members
- We also found that the vast majority of families agree they do not spend enough time communicating with each other
Vodafone is also helping people stay in touch with the launch of its new Family tariff, launched on 1 November. For just GBP 5 a month, you and up to three others can make unlimited calls between each other.
About Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK has 16.3 million customers and is part of the world's largest mobile community offering a wide range of voice and data communications. The company is committed to providing mobile solutions that allow both consumer and business customers to make the most of now. In addition, Vodafone connects customers across the globe with roaming agreements worldwide. It provides 3G roaming in 18 countries and offers great roaming value with Vodafone Passport. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk.