SNC Extra: Frank Cottrell Boyce on modern childhood
Summary
Frank Cottrell-Boyce discusses his book *A British Childhood*, arguing that children are increasingly invisible in national discourse due to austerity and the pandemic. He highlights how school has become a primary source of stability and food for many, contrasting this with the loss of public infrastructure. The conversation explores the vital role of shared reading in fostering attention and resilience, while critiquing utilitarian education and the housing crisis. Finally, he addresses screen time, framing children’s online activity as unpaid labor that disrupts the balance between work …
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Arm & Hammer Cat Litter and ActiveCampaign
Introduction to Frank Cottrell-Boyce and his new book
Why children fear summer holidays and lack stability
The invisibility of children in national conversation
Societal carelessness and the loss of public infrastructure
Reflecting on his own lucky childhood and social mobility
Reading as an act of attention and shared pleasure
Brain science: How reading synchronizes parent and child
The trap of utilitarian education and STEM focus
The housing crisis as the root cause of child insecurity
Screens, social media bans, and children as unpaid workers
Closing remarks and sponsor ads
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