Modern childhood is facing an unprecedented crisis — rising screen time, falling literacy, and overstimulated young minds. In this Family Talk Live event, Sue Palmer, author of Toxic Childhood and Upstart, joined Dr Linda de Caestecker to unpack what’s really going on for children today — and how we can bring back calm, play, and connection.

Sue shared insights from decades of research into early development, explaining how rapid cultural and technological change has reshaped childhood. She traced the roots of problems such as anxiety, distraction, and poor self-regulation back to a “perfect storm” of technology, consumerism, and loss of community wisdom.

Together, Sue and Linda explored:

• Why early childhood (ages 3–7) is the critical window for social, emotional, and physical development
• How overstimulation and early academic pressure create a widening developmental — not just attainment — gap
• The essential role of play and love in fostering resilience, empathy, and confidence
• How parents and carers can “build their village” and balance technology use at home
• Practical ideas for reclaiming childhood joy in a modern world

Sue also spoke about her work with Upstart Scotland, advocating for a play-based “kindergarten stage” up to age seven, inspired by Nordic models of education. Her message was clear: to support children’s wellbeing, society must prioritise development over data — and rediscover the simple power of love and play.