13/02/2026
Phone use by children!
Why this matters?
Smartphones can support learning and connection, but excessive or unsupervised use may affect children's sleep, mental wellbeing, attention, and physical health. Younger brains are particularly sensitive to constant stimulation.
Average social media screen time is
5HRS/day!!
Facts & Stats
• Teenagers spend an average of six to eight hours per day on screen-based leisure, with about five of those hours specifically on social media
• 12-year-olds with smartphones have a 31% higher risk of depression and are 62% more likely to suffer from insufficient sleep compared to those without.
• Teens receive a median of 273 notifications per day. 20% of students receive more than 500
273
notifications daily which equals a notification every 2-3 minutes.
Nearly 25% of all notifications arrive during school hours 60% of teens use their phones between midnight and 5 a.m
Potential risks
• Sleep: screen light and late-night use can delay sleep and reduce sleep quality
• Mental wellbeing: heavy use is linked to anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying
• Attention and learning: notifications and short-form content can reduce concentration
• Physical health: reduced activity, eye strain, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain
• Content exposure: risk of age-inappropriate or harmful material
How parents can reduce exposure
Set clear limits (mealtimes, homework, and one hour before bed should be phone-free Keep phones out of bedrooms overnight where possible Delay smartphones for younger children; consider call/text-only phones Encourage positive use (learning, creativity, staying in touch with family)
Promote offline activities: sport & exercise, hobbies, reading, and face-to-face time Be a role model - children copy adult phone habits
Consider No Phone
Until
12yo
Consider No Social Media Until
16yo
Use it but dont abuse it
Talking to your child
Keep conversations calm and supportive. Focus on health and balance rather than punishment. Involve your child in agreeing rules so they feel included.
When to seek help
Speak to a healthcare professional or school staff if you notice ongoing sleep problems, significant mood changes, social withdrawal, or distress linked to phone or social media use.
