Lumos Education was delighted to moderate and co-host a panel with Steve Gladman, of Women Powering Smart Energy, at the University Women’s Club. As Christmas fast approaches, we’ve been reflecting on how much has changed since our 2024 discussion on art, curiosity and creativity. The themes feel even more relevant now: how presence, focus and creativity can counteract the growing impact of AI, the effects of technology and mobile phones on children’s mental health, and the ongoing lack of ethics in business. Since our panel discussion, 90% of schools have banned mobile phones and several leaders have lost roles due to poor ethics. The Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has apologised for failing to keep children safe online. Change is afoot!
Presence, focus and art
Artist and scientist Jasmine Pradissitto spoke about how difficult true presence has become. Drawing requires focus and consciousness, and art lowers cortisol levels—much like time in nature. She urged educators to help young people be more present and reconnect with the outdoors.
Film, animation and communication
Oscar-shortlisted director Simone Giampaolo described animation as a way to communicate with both adults and children and to reconnect them with nature. We discussed his film Only a Child, which I introduced at a celebration of women conservationists at the Argentine Ambassador’s Residence, aimed at urging audiences to pay attention to global warming. He stressed the value of putting phones away and truly looking—echoing Jasmine’s theme of presence. He explained that when you learn to draw and paint, you truly learn the importance of focus.
Television’s influence
Actress and filmmaker Larissa Hope Wilson, who cut her teeth in Skins, explored TV’s dual role: both positive and negative. While some content has become more constructive, she argued that harmful messages persist, especially for girls. She highlighted art as a powerful medium for children to understand relationships, nature and the wider world.
Music as healing
Award-winning composer, musician and orchestrator, Joanna Gill, spoke of music’s ability to heal and unite. She shared how classical music moved a listener to tears and described how singing in a choir fosters real presence and connection.
Business ethics and cultural change
Business ethics scholar Dr Christine Hemingway discussed why unethical behaviour persists in organisations like water companies and the Post Office. She highlighted the urgent need for cultural change and criticised business schools for prioritising profit over humanity and social responsibility.
The power of art and careers in the art world
Art historian and art provenance expert Angelina Giovani-Agha emphasised the importance of truly engaging with art rather than photographing it for social media. She encouraged young people to pursue art-related careers, noting the wide range of pathways in the field.
Our audience enriched the discussion, with dance producer Farooq Chaudhry reinforcing the importance of presence in creative work. Lumos Education remains grateful to our panel, partners and guests for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation. As society faces major shifts in ethics, technology and education, honest dialogue is essential. Art, curiosity, creativity and music remain powerful forces for good, and responsible technology use can support positive change. We continue to advocate for greater awareness of the impact of mobile phones and technology on young people’s mental health.
Johanna Mitchell
