DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT

Last week, an important event took place in central London called “The Festival of Childhood.” The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of a growing and pressing issue that is impacting the younger generation—namely, the overuse of mobile phones and the often-harmful influence of social media. With children increasingly spending more time online, concerns have been mounting about the effects on their mental health, emotional development, and sense of identity. The online world, while full of potential, can also be a source of anxiety, distraction, and even danger.

At the event, Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, delivered a powerful address. She spoke candidly about how children’s lives are being blighted by the pressures and pitfalls of the digital realm. Having personally spoken to countless children across the country, she shared her deep concern over the emotional toll that constant connectivity and exposure to online content is taking on them. Her message was clear: parents and caregivers have a vital role to play in helping children navigate this complicated landscape. One of the most important things adults can do, she emphasized, is to listen to children—really listen—and engage in meaningful conversations with them, talk to them. This human connection, she argued, is a key part of the solution.

This call to open communication and engagement could not come at a better time—and it beautifully echoes the essence of the upcoming Pesach (Passover) Seder. At its heart, the Seder night is about dialogue, storytelling, and fostering curiosity. It encourages children to ask questions and for adults to respond thoughtfully and honestly. The entire evening revolves around interaction and connection across generations.

The Seder is also a welcome tech-free zone. The table is adorned with symbolic foods—matza, bitter herbs, charoset, and cups of wine—that spark discussion and invite reflection. There are no buzzing phones or endless scrolling; instead, the focus is on the shared experience. The Haggadah is read from a printed book, not a glowing screen. Families speak directly to one another, telling stories, singing songs, and creating their own shared drama, rather than watching someone else’s reel unfold online. We disconnect to reconnect.

It is an evening of presence, memory, and meaning—a powerful counterpoint to the distractions of the digital world. We link ourselves with the story of the past and embed future memories for our children. It is a timely reminder of the value of connection in its truest form.