Varkey Foundation Launched Family First Global Movement
The international initiative aims to strengthen intergenerational bonds across 15 countries following new survey research.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Family — General
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The Varkey Foundation has launched the Family First global movement to address the strain on intergenerational relationships caused by economic pressures and technology. The initiative follows the release of the Family First Global Survey, which highlights a disconnect between the family time children desire and what they currently receive.
Why it matters
The campaign was created to build stronger communities by mitigating the impact of conflict, geographical distance, and technological change on family bonds. By introducing a Family Bonding Index, the foundation hopes to foster environments where intergenerational connections can thrive despite modern life stressors.
The survey analyzed responses from 6,000 parents, 3,000 grandparents, and 3,000 Gen Z participants across 15 countries. Data indicates that 76% of Indian children desire more time with their grandparents.
The players
Varkey Foundation
This UK-based charitable organization focuses on improving educational and social standards and fostering stronger community ties.
We Are Family
This research agency specializes in conducting large-scale social data collection and interviewing diverse demographic groups.
The details
The research was conducted by the agency We Are Family, which gathered data throughout January and February 2026. The findings reveal that while 85% of Indian parents report spending time with their own parents at least weekly, only 22% of children report satisfaction with their current family time.
Timeline
Interviews were conducted with over 12,000 participants during January and February 2026.
The Varkey Foundation officially launched the Family First movement during the week of October 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
The Family First movement marks a formal institutional response to the documented strain on intergenerational bonds caused by technological change and geographical distance. It reflects a broader societal movement to prioritize human connection in an increasingly digital and dispersed world.
The introduction of the Family Bonding Index may encourage families to re-evaluate their time-use patterns and prioritize direct interaction over digital engagement. Readers might consider using the index to assess their own intergenerational relationship satisfaction and identify gaps in quality time.
The takeaway
Families can strengthen bonds by intentionally scheduling recurring, non-digital interactions across generations. Consistent weekly contact, even when time is limited, is shown to be a foundational element for maintaining strong family connections.
Further reading
For more on the challenges facing modern households, explore our Family — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jammu Kashmir Latest News | Tourism | Breaking News J&K.
Live Poll
Do you feel your household currently spends enough quality time together across generations?
