Ditch the Screens, Discover the Wild: ‘Kids Unplugged’ Inspires Kiwi Tamariki Outdoors
In an increasingly digital world, a refreshing new initiative from Aotearoa is inspiring children to trade screen time for nature’s embrace. Anton and Kylie Steel, a passionate filmmaking duo, are launching “Kids Unplugged” – a compelling web series designed to encourage tamariki (children) to step away from devices and immerse themselves in outdoor adventures and genuine connection.
This isn’t just a show; it’s a movement born from the understanding that while the internet once offered an escape, now the real world provides a vital refuge from digital overload. With growing concerns about youth mental health linked to excessive screen time, “Kids Unplugged” offers a vibrant antidote, showcasing the transformative power of outdoor experiences.
The series is envisioned as a short-form documentary spotlighting children across New Zealand who are already choosing the wild over Wi-Fi. From young mountain bikers and surfers to hikers and environmental kaitiaki (guardians), the show explores how New Zealand’s magnificent oceans, rivers, and mountains become their playgrounds. Through their eyes, “Kids Unplugged” reveals narratives of struggle, triumph, and the development of resilience, reinforcing the message that thriving childhoods are built outside, unplugged, and together.
Anton and Kylie Steel, a husband (director) and wife (producer) team, bring two decades of filmmaking experience and a deep commitment to inspiring stories of community and connection. As parents themselves, this project is profoundly personal. They have a proven track record, including establishing a Regional Film Office in the Bay of Plenty and producing award-winning films like “The Z-Nail Gang” and “Taking Back Our Beach.” Their work consistently demonstrates that play-based childhoods foster resilient, happy, and capable young people.
Adding a unique and engaging layer, the series will be presented by Anton and Kylie’s sons – Malachi (14), Judah (12), and Ezra (7), known as “The Steel Brothers.” These young presenters will venture out to meet inspiring tamariki and rangatahi immersed in the outdoors, exploring the diverse landscapes of the Bay of Plenty and beyond. Their youthful curiosity will uncover what makes these young people thrive, taking viewers on a journey of discovery and inspiration. The series also embraces the Māori concept of Ako – reciprocal learning – fostering caring and inclusive relationships.
“Kids Unplugged” is committed to youth-led storytelling, providing local youth both in front of and behind the camera with invaluable skills in media, storytelling, interviewing, and environmental awareness. The series will feature dynamic visuals, including comic hero graphics and animated elements, to captivate young audiences. Stories will highlight courageous kids in adventure sports, young volunteers in conservation, Māori whānau teaching traditional ecological wisdom, and passionate youth engaged in environmental care.
The statistics are sobering: tamariki spend a significant portion of their after-school time on screens, and New Zealand faces high youth suicide rates. “Kids Unplugged” aims to be part of a wider social movement to restore youth health and wellbeing by celebrating tamariki, promoting outdoor play, reflecting Aotearoa’s diversity, and amplifying youth voices. The team is collaborating with organizations like Radio New Zealand and The Parenting Place, with an ambitious goal to reach over 100,000 children and families.
To make this vision a reality, Anton and Kylie are seeking community support. They are running a Boosted campaign to cover production and delivery costs for the first five episodes, planned for filming this winter (mid-2025). Every contribution, big or small, helps champion a future where children thrive through outdoor play and genuine connection.
This is more than a web series; it’s a call to action for parents, educators, and anyone invested in the wellbeing of our tamariki. By supporting “Kids Unplugged,” you invest in a healthier, happier, and more resilient generation, amplifying a message of hope and inspiring a nationwide shift towards embracing the profound benefits of an unplugged childhood.
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To support the ‘Kids Unplugged’ movement and help bring these vital stories to life, visit the Troppo website.