By Lead Adventurer, Paul Wilcox.
As technology advances and algorithms are constantly learning how to satisfy individual needs, parents are becoming increasingly concerned about their children’s safety and wellbeing online.
This concern is reflected in Toy Story 5, where the toys we have come to love face a world dominated by screens.
This comes as the UK Government have announced plans to ban of social media for children under 16 amid growing concern about its impact on young people.
From the opening credits, the film reinforces the clear shift where play is no longer what sparks creativity and imagination for children, emphasised through the line in the film “the age of toys is over”.
Traditional connection and creating friendships have changed for young people, with screens becoming the default for conversation, and children growing more reliant on them to stay up to date with the latest trends.
Families are struggling to regulate technology use in the home, with the pressures of children’s peers being given access to screens and not wanting to subject their children to the isolation that comes with being the only one without a device.
This internal conflict is addressed in Toy Story 5, where lead character Bonnie’s parents are reluctant to give her a ‘Lilypad’ device, but are convinced by the idea that this will be Bonnie’s only way to make friends.
As Bonnie feels the pull of the digital world, her toys step in, working to remind her of the joy found in real-life play and friendship. Through their efforts, they encourage Bonnie to connect beyond a screen, showing her that play is what builds a lasting friendship.
Ultimately, the film ends by delivering a sense of hope, showing Bonnie that she doesn’t need a screen to build a real friendship, as she rediscovers her love of imaginative play.
With one in five children now spending more than seven hours a day online, it’s our job to provide a space where kids can still be kids.
At We Are Adventurers, we use our outdoor sessions as a way for children to connect with nature, learn valuable life skills and develop creativity alongside their peers.
We advocate for the independent, imaginative play at the heart of Toy Story 5. With digital distractions at an all-time high, creating these opportunities for young people is more important than ever.
Forest school is a space where children can be themselves, learn through experience, and not have to conform to social expectation.
In a world increasingly shaped by screens, algorithms, and online conversation, children risk missing out on the simple joys of imagination, creativity, and real-world play.
By encouraging environments that prioritise hands-on experiences and genuine human connection, we can help restore balance – ensuring young people grow up not just digitally connected, but socially, emotionally, and creatively developed.
