**Dragons’ Den’s Sara Davies Sets Strict No-Screen Rule for Children’s Playdates**
Renowned Dragons’ Den investor and entrepreneur Sara Davies has opened up about her unconventional approach to managing technology during her children’s playdates, admitting she goes as far as collecting all digital devices from visiting friends before the fun begins. Her thinking, she says, is to ensure young guests embrace real-life social interaction rather than disappearing behind screens.
Davies, who shares two sons—Oliver, aged 11, and Charlie, eight—with her husband Simon, revealed her policy in a recent interview, describing how she has instituted a ‘tech amnesty’ at the doorstep. “When children come to my house, their phones and tablets are deposited in a box at the entrance, and I keep it safely in my bedroom,” she explained. The aim, she added, is to create an environment where children actually play together, rather than retreating into their own digital worlds.
The bestselling entrepreneur, known for her family-friendly values, insists this rule helps foster stronger bonds among the children. She regularly transforms her home into a welcoming hub, replete with pizza and other fun activities, but is adamant that screens can threaten the spirit of togetherness she hopes to inspire.
“I want to be thought of as the fun mum where other children love to visit,” Davies remarked. “But I’ve witnessed playdates where one or more kids simply withdraw to their devices, missing out on all the interaction and enjoyment around them.” According to Davies, the children adjust quickly and even thrive when technology is set aside. “No one complains,” she observed. “They end up outside playing football or merging together much better—they actually talk and get to know each other.”
It is not just a blanket ban: Davies revealed she makes a point of managing communications. Should any child need to contact their parents during a playdate, they must seek her permission, making the process more deliberate and mindful.
Despite the positive results, Davies confessed she feels reticent about discussing her views openly with other parents. She worries that her stance could be misunderstood as criticism of those who do allow their children unrestricted access to technology. “I never want to appear judgmental. I wouldn’t raise it on the school WhatsApp group,” she admitted, underscoring the sensitivity often surrounding parenting choices in the digital age.
Davies’ approach to play has made her a talking point not just in parenting circles, but also among those who know her from her high-profile television role. As the youngest female investor to join BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2019, she broke new ground—but her family had their doubts when she first announced her plans to join the show. She shared a humorous anecdote from when her eldest son, then just five, watched her debut: “He was disappointed. He actually thought I was going to be a dragon—like, a real fire-breathing dragon! I think it took him a bit to adjust to the reality,” she laughed.
Behind the playful stories, Davies hints at the challenges of public life. Not everyone in her family was supportive when she first pursued her Dragons’ Den ambitions, particularly her mother, who feared the negativity and criticism that often follow public figures. “She can’t stand anyone being unpleasant to me online,” Davies admitted, shining a light on the pressures that even successful entrepreneurs face behind the scenes.
In an age where parents increasingly grapple with the question of how much screen time to allow their children, Davies’ hardline yet thoughtful approach has sparked discussion. While some may see it as extreme, she stands firm—believing that a little less technology, and a bit more good old-fashioned play, can go a long way towards nurturing social skills, confidence, and real friendships. As the debate about children and screen time continues, Davies’ household offers one example of drawing boundaries and sticking to them—no dragons required.