Smartphones and children
There is strong evidence that smartphone use is associated with negative psychiatric, cognitive, emotional, developmental and neurological impacts in children and teenagers, and has been linked to a range of debilitating conditions from depression and diabetes, to sleep disorders and Tourettes.
Widespread use of smartphones among children and teens has been normalised, and is increasing. A 2022 Ofcom report shows that 91% of UK children aged 11 own a phone, almost all of which were smartphones. On average, those children spend three hours and 20 minutes of each day on their devices. Additionally, 47% of parents asked in a separate survey believe their child has a smartphone addiction.
The Evidence Against Smartphones
MENTAL HEALTH HARMS
- Anxiety and Depression
- Addiction and Dependency
- Cyber-Bullying
- Social Isolation and Loneliness
% of teens reporting loneliness at school
PHYSICAL HARMS
- Self Harm and Suicide
- Attention Deficit
- Disruption to Sleep Patterns
- Body Image Anxiety
- Obesity
- Eye Damage
- Tics and Tourettes
- Radio Wave Exposure Risks
SEXUAL HARMS
- Exposure to Pornography and Extreme Content
- Sexting
- Predators
% of 12 year olds reporting seeing pornography online
EDUCATIONAL HARMS
- Impaired Academic Attainment
- Impaired Brain Development