New research from Trainline finds that more than three in four (77%) parents say they’ve felt pressure to use screens to keep children entertained while travelling, with over half of those surveyed also saying they would prefer not to
The need for easy options to entertain kids is greater in summer, as Trainline data shows UK family train journeys are on average 41% longer
To support parents and carers on train journeys, Trainline and Yoto launch the first free Yoto Daily Draw Along collection, themed around rail and holidays
Trainline, Europe’s leading train and coach app, has partnered with award-winning children’s audio platform Yoto to help make family train journeys even more enjoyable this summer – as new research from Trainline highlights the screen-time dilemma many parents face when travelling with children.
The survey findings revealed that more than three in four (77%) parents felt pressure to use screens whilst travelling with their children on public transport, with more than half (61%) of those parents saying that they would prefer not to. Digging deeper into the research, the survey also found that a quarter (25%) of the parents felt as if they were being judged by others for keeping their children occupied with screen-based entertainment. Yet nearly three quarters (73%) said they are conscious of how their child’s behaviour might affect other passengers – proving parents simply can’t win.
That’s why Trainline has collaborated with children’s audio platform Yoto to launch a new, free collection of ‘Draw Alongs’ – the brand’s much-loved guided drawing activities that feature on their award-winning podcast for kids, Yoto Daily. The Trainline x Yoto collection has been created specifically for children travelling by train and lands just in time for the summer break, giving families an easy and adaptable screen-free way to keep children entertained whilst on the move. Trainline’s own data shows journeys are on average 41% longer for families travelling in the summer months*, which is why the bespoke episodes are specifically designed to entertain for longer journeys.
The Draw Along collection acts like a creative travel companion for children, with each episode guiding them through a different scene inspired by trains, holidays and the things they might spot along the way. Young travellers can design their own dream train or an under-the-sea train, head off on a mountain trail or even a rollercoaster adventure.
Available from 8th July until 1st September via the Discover section of the free Yoto app, the collection features 12 guided drawing episodes, seven of which have never been heard before, promoting imaginative play and creativity as an engaging and entertaining alternative. They’re inspired by what children may see or experience as they travel, and as an added bonus they’re completely free to all, with parents not even needing a Yoto Player to enjoy.
The collaboration is being supported by child therapist Saskia Joss, co-host of ‘Help! My Child's Anxious’ and a vocal supporter of the benefits of imaginative play for children.
Travel helps children build confidence and a sense of adventure; but as a parent, I know that sometimes it can feel daunting, especially with younger children. Creative activities like audio storytelling and drawing encourage imagination, focus and a sense of calm. Trainline's research found more than a third of parents turn to screens because it feels like the easiest option, but these free Draw Alongs offer parents a fun alternative instead.
As a parent myself, I know how much a train journey can spark something in children’s imaginations - like that familiar childhood thought of whether there might be fish outside the window while travelling through the Channel Tunnel. I can relate to our research that showed nearly three quarters of parents believe train travel helps children develop real-life skills, and it’s that sense of curiosity that makes Yoto’s Draw Alongs such a natural fit for family travel this summer. By partnering with Yoto, we want families to feel prepared and in control, with a screen-free option that keeps children engaged and makes the whole journey easier for everyone on board.
We know how powerful audio can be in capturing children’s imagination, even when they’re doing something else, like travelling or creating on the move. This new ‘Draw Along’ collection is designed to give families a simple, screen-free option to entertain children, ideal for supporting families to travel more comfortably and confidently.
Trainline analysis of last summer’s family bookings data also found that classic UK holiday destinations were among the fastest-growing spots, with Newquay (+252%), Carbis Bay (+247%), St Ives in Cornwall (+227%), Motherwell (+218%) and Great Yarmouth (+217%) all trending**. The insight helped inform Trainline and Yoto’s free Draw Along series, with imaginative options such as beaches and ice creams included in the curated content, making them perfect for summer family travel this year, too.
Top tip for travelling by train with children from Trainline:
A Family & Friends Railcard gives 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ tickets – really handy for sightseeing days out as well as travelling longer distances. It’s a myth that it’s just for big groups too – one adult travelling with one child or more can benefit as well.
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