Evidence
The unregulated online world is unsafe for children, and is harming them in the following ways:
Negative impact on Wellbeing
Since the smartphone became mainstream in 2012 there has been a documented rise in anxiety, depression, deliberate self-harm and suicide among children and young people [Read more here]
Source: Cybulski et al. (2021), drawing from two databases of anonymized British medical records.Exposure to inappropriate content e.g. pornography and real life killings
Smartphones have enabled children to view pornography anywhere at any time. In today’s world of online pornography depictions of degradation, sexual coercion, aggression and exploitation are commonplace, and disproportionately feature teenage girls.
The UK Children’s Commissioner is deeply concerned about the normalisation of sexual violence in online pornography, and the role that this plays in shaping children’s understanding of sex and relationships. [Click here]
In the UK 27 % of children have viewed pornography by age 11. This rises to 50% by age 13. The age a child first encounters it generally correlates with the age they first receive their own device
A teacher from Ireland explored his students experiences with smartphones. Out of 24 2nd-year students, almost all of them have seen someone killed in real life on social media. [Click here]
Effect on attention span & focus
A two-year-long study tracking 2,600 teens found that teens who frequently use
smartphones and multimedia devices are more likely to develop ADHD symptoms.
The US National Institute of Health, launched a study of adolescent brain development tracking more than 11,000 children for a decade. Data from this study revealed that children who spend more than two hours a day on screens got lower scores on thinking and language tests.
Diminished Childhood Experience
Time spent on a device is often time not spent with family or friends or pursuing hobbies and interests. Through play with others, children are exploring, interacting and developing social skills. They learn problem solving, boundaries and build resilience.
Dr Jonathan Haidt refers to the ‘great rewiring of childhood’ in his book The Anxious Generation where he describes a switch which gradually ocurred between 2010 and 2015 from a Play-based childhood to a Phone-based childhood [watch a short interview with the author here]
A survey of 1500+ teenagers in the US in 2023 found 51% spend a minimum of four hours on social media every day. That is almost 30 hours per week. [Read more here]
Source: American Time Use SurveyReduced Academic Performance
Global PISA test scores in decline since 2012 - when smartphones became mainstream. The PISA is an international assessment tool measuring skills and knowledge of 15 year olds.
The PISA Report offers three reasons to suspect that smartphones are the major culprit. Click here
In the UK a large study showed that schools with an effective phone ban achieved GCSE results that were 1 – 2 grades higher compared to children at schools with laxer policies. An effective ban is described as phones being locked away for the full duration of the school day either in phone lockers or locked pouches.
Sleep Disturbance
Sleep disturbance in childhood is known to have adverse effects on health, including poor diet, obesity, weakened immune system, stunted growth, and mental health issues. It also impacts attendance and performance in school.
Research finds that 83% of Irish teenagers have their phones in bedrooms at night with compelling' links between teenagers’ lack of sleep and poorer mental health click here
Research shows that smartphones damage children’s sleep and development Click here
Source: Click here