Moray mum’s colouring book project aims to draw kids away from lure of mobiles

A Moray entrepreneur has launched a range of colouring books with a difference to help keep kids off their mobiles.

Concerned about the pull of technology that sees the average child spend around three hours a day online, and keen to create meaningful experiences with her own children, Fochabers mum Arlene Anderson has created My Passport books.

These combine mindful colouring, local business support and adventure, one page at a time.

My Passport is designed not just to get kids away from screens, but also to get them out into their local areas, discovering attractions, supporting the local economy and enjoying family time offline. Each book features an illustration of key landmarks within each region, with each page linked to a special offer for a local business, which can be redeemed when the coloured in artwork is ‘stamped’ in the specified location.

With editions for Aberdeen/shire and Moray, the books proved a huge success in the summer holidays, so much so that local businesses have asked Arlene to extend offers in both regions until the end of the October holidays

Local sights in My Moray Passport for both colouring and adventuring fun include Cullen Beach, Bow Fiddle Rock, the Dandy Lion and Covesea Lighthouse.

Arlene said: “Screens are everywhere, it’s hard to get away from it.

“While there’s no rulebook for parenting, you each have to do what you think is best for your child.

“One thing most agree on, is how damaging screen time can be. Anxiety levels in kids have never been higher and colouring is proven to be calming, and also helps them express their creativity.

“I wanted to create something that both helped with passing time in the holidays, getting that all important screen free time, and created adventures that in turn help boost local businesses. My Passport was born from that and it’s been incredible to see the reaction so far, and how it’s helped people reconnect with simple joys.”

David Robertson, of Bijou in Elgin, has been a keen supporter of My Moray Passport.

He said: “Kids who colour in the page about Duke of Gordon’s Monument get a free main meal and drink when an adult buys a main meal at our café.

“My Moray Passport has been a real surprise winner with us having to restock three times.

!”The idea behind it is of course to get children (and big kids!) off their phones and to look, colour and reward.

“Our customers have loved the images, the quality of paper and the concept. The fact that they or their family might also benefit from a little reward is an added bonus.”

According to Ofcom, UK children aged eight-14 spend an average of 2 hours 59 minutes per day online. A range of studies also link excessive screen time to anxiety, disrupted sleep and reduced physical activity. Colouring does the opposite, with psychologists pointing to its ability to calm the brain, lower stress, and encourage patience and focus.

My Passport is available online and at a range of local stockists which are listed on the website.