Early Excellence Podcast: The Unplugged Early Years Movement

Mienna Jones
Dec 1, 2025
1 min read

In this episode, Andy Burt of Early Excellence talks with Karen Snook and Mienna Jones about the Unplugged Early Years movement, exploring how to reconnect children with real-world experiences amid growing tech use. They discuss early childhood development, the effects of technology on parenting, and the importance of meaningful, present learning in nurseries.

Unplugged Early Years - Why This Matters.

Unplugged Early Years is a nationwide movement driven through local communities raising awareness of the hidden harms of screen time in the early years from birth to five.

We’re living through a defining moment in childhood.

Technology is evolving faster than ever - AI-powered devices are entering homes, capable of holding conversations, mimicking emotions, and generating realistic text, video, and sound.

While there is potential for good, this rapid shift is transforming how children interact with the world.

Much like the arrival of smartphones over a decade ago, we’re at another turning point. Back then, the change was fast and many parents were left unprepared for the lasting impact of social media on mental health, relationships, and childhood itself.

We believe we cannot afford to make the same mistake twice.

Co-Founders Mienna, Karen & Ruby