Social networking websites like Twitter are more important than family to children, a survey has foundThe poll, commissioned by National Family Week, reveals the influence of technology on youngsters – and the extent to which parents underestimate it.

Some 28 per cent of the eight to 15-year-olds questioned cited websites such as Facebook, Twitter and MSN as the most important thing to them.

 Social networking had a bigger impact on girls than boys. Asked to name what is most important to them, the top three choices for girls were popularity and having friends, followed by family, and then social networking sites.

For boys the top three were family, followed by money and then popularity and having friends.

The study, which surveyed 3,000 parents and 1,000 children across the UK, reveals parents overestimate the role they play in their child’s life.

Two thirds of parents (66 per cent) said they thought they were the biggest influence in their child’s life. But only 49 per cent of children said the same.

The survey also examined how youngsters feel about spending time with their families.

Over a quarter (26 per cent) of boys did not think they spent enough time with their family, compared with one in six (16 per cent) of girls.

One in four boys wanted to spend more time with both their parents, compared with 15 per cent of girls.

National Family Week, backed by organisations including the NSPCC and the National Literacy Trust, encourages families to spend more time together. The week runs from May 31 to June 6.

If you would like more information about social networking and Twitter please contact anne@armadillo-creative.com

At Armadillo we understand that it is not just great ideas that are important, but great communication that delivers effective result for our clients, large and small, time and time again.

 Across the creative spectrum we help our clients engage people, communicate their business effectively, and most importantly get a return on their investment

So if you want to keep up with the latest Armadillo news, videos, photos whilst on Facebook join our group

Careline Lifestyles have appointed Armadillo Creative to develop and progress Careline across branding, web and print. Careline Lifestyles is a leading independent provider of high quality nursing and residential care, specialising in neuro, learning and physical disabilities for persons over 18 years of age in addition to providing nursing, residential and social care for the elderly, based in the North East of England.

Established in 1986, Careline Lifestyles now operate 11 care homes throughout the North East of England and have a further 3 units under development which are due to open in 2010/2011.

Moya Goodyear, Marketing Manager of Careline Lifestyles said: “We are delighted to appoint and work with Armadillo on this very exciting phase of the companies expansion and development across a spectre of work. Careline have a very active growth strategy for 2010 and this needs underpinning by strong brand development work which Armadillo will provide with the sparkle that they always do.”

Rachel Burgess, Armadillo Client Services Director said: “Careline Lifestyles promises to be a very fulfilling account, the very structure and unique proposition of the Careline culture makes for compelling brand marketing.”

Careline Lifestyles is just one one of a number of recent account gains at Armadillo this year including Royal Quays Outlet Centre, Chocolate Lovers, Premier Crafts, Edgar Ford, and Game Fishing Supplies.

If you would like further information about Armadillo  Creative  please  telephone  Anne Woodcock on 0191 257 8380

Rebecca Simpson has joined North East based creative agency Armadillo Creative as Account Manager to help aid the continuous growth of recent client accounts. Rebecca joins Armadillo bringing with her key digital marketing experience. Her addition to the agency comes at a great time, helping to support new opportunities and recent account wins.

A great team leader with plenty of energy, enthusiasm and creativity, Rebecca was the perfect candidate for the role with a solid digital and account client facing experience. Before joining the Armadillo she began her career in a business development role with a large Email service provider, progressing quickly into senior account management. She has previously looked after online campaigns for national retail companies and large blue chip clients. Rebecca also possesses a master Law Degree, is a dedicated Newcastle United fan at St James Park and can swing a golf club too!

With the knowledge and experience Rebecca has, she hopes to bring fresh new ideas to Armadillos online and e-marketing services, she said: “I am thrilled to be apart of the Armadillo team and looking forward to the challenges ahead and working with the agencies clients to deliver innovative and successful online campaigns.”

Berry Burgess, Managing Director, was delighted by the appointment: “I know Rebecca is going to fit right in, she is dedicated, well organised, and is extremely professional. Rebecca’s methodical application to client development and management and her online knowledge base will create a wider breath of experience at Armadillo that will help future development and growth.

Rachel Burgess, Director at Armadillo said: “Rebecca brings with her a number of transferable skills that she has developed from her previous roles and with her commitment to ensuring that all client campaigns are successful. She has brilliant understanding of e-marketing structure and we all look forward to the expansion of the Armadillo team with Rebecca.”

If you would like further information about Armadillo  Creative  please  telephone  Anne Woodcock on 0191 257 8380

David Immanuel Haigh is the latest recruit to join North East based Armadillo Creative as Art Director. David joins the Crayons department on the back of some recent account gains. David brings with him extensive diverse experience in all forms of design including print, packaging, brand and web.

David said: “I enjoy the wide ranging work at Armadillo from web to brand development and everything else in-between. Armadillo have a very good creative reputation and the decision to join was fairly easy.”

Berry Burgess, Managing Director of Armadillo said: “I saw David’s work a few years back and was very impressed and kept a quiet casual eye on his progress, his style will complement the output in Crayons. He is also very enthusiastic and passionate which is a characteristic that I insist on for everyone at Armadillo.

Despite David’s lack of love for all things PS2 or Xbox which seems to be the norm in Crayons – he is a very well rounded creative and will be a great addition to the company.”

If you would like further information about Armadillo  Creative  please  telephone  Anne Woodcock on 0191 257 8380