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Smartphone Use Among Children: A Growing Crisis Fueling Calls for National Action
Smartphone use among children and adolescents has dominated headlines in recent weeks—an urgency perhaps amplified by the Netflix drama Adolescence. While it may be disheartening that a television drama is needed to spark action (as we saw similarly with Mr Bates vs The Post Office), anything that shines a light on this critical issue should be welcomed.
Whatever the catalyst, the message is clear: schools, parents, and policymakers across the UK are confronting the far-reaching effects of excessive screen time—from worsening mental health and shortened attention spans, to increased exposure to harmful content and a loss of real-world social connection.
This mounting concern is sparking national debate, prompting a rise in school-level bans and intensifying calls for statutory regulation. The UK appears to be taking a leadership role in championing what many now describe as the goal of a “smartphone-free childhood.”
The Hidden Costs of Constant Connectivity
The mental health toll of constant connectivity is now impossible to ignore. A recent survey revealed that 73% of Gen Z women had encountered misogynistic content online, with nearly half saying this negatively impacted their mental wellbeing.
But the effects go beyond emotions. Research shows that even short breaks from mobile internet can dramatically improve attention spans—bringing them in line with people a decade younger. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt calls excessive screen exposure a “brain-scrambler.”
Educators are witnessing these effects firsthand. Across the UK, headteachers report that phone bans are boosting social interaction and outdoor play. “Smartphones act as experience blockers,” says Andy Marshall, Deputy Head of Ballard School, citing their impact on emotional development. Meanwhile, children as young as seven are reportedly accessing violent or pornographic content. Late-night WhatsApp groups are also becoming hotspots for bullying and exclusion.
Phone-Free Schools: From Controversy to Consensus
Schools implementing full-day phone bans are reporting transformative results. Staff cite fewer behaviour issues, less truancy, and a reduction in peer conflict. “We hear laughter in the hallways again,” says Jonathan Haidt.
At John Wallis Academy, the introduction of phone pouch systems has led to significant improvements in classroom focus and a drop in online abuse. Headteacher Damien McBeath describes the change as “huge.”
While phone bans were once controversial, attitudes are shifting. “We expected a huge pushback from parents, but it didn’t happen,” one headteacher noted. “This year is different. The zeitgeist has changed.”
Mobile phone bans are now widespread in England. A national survey found that 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools enforce some form of restriction. Still, inconsistencies in enforcement persist—leading many to call for stronger national guidance.
Mounting Pressure for National Regulation
This conversation is no longer confined to school policy—it’s now about national leadership. The Labour Party has announced an “in-depth scrutiny” of smartphone bans in schools, frustrated by the lack of oversight from the Department for Education.
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, is calling for a statutory ban on smartphones in schools. He believes national legislation would support teachers and send a strong message about the value of screen-free spaces for children.
At the same time, pressure is growing to regulate social media companies. Some experts are now comparing tech firms to the tobacco industry—accusing them of designing addictive platforms that profit at the expense of young people’s mental health. Some are even calling for a full social media ban for under-16s.
Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, is also pushing for tighter restrictions on smartphone use beyond school hours. She warns that tech companies are “refusing to take responsibility for the people on their platforms,” leaving children dangerously exposed.
Societal and Parental Challenges
Despite growing consensus, the issue remains complex. Parenting norms, cultural fears, and questions around digital equity all play a role.
Jonathan Haidt points to a broader shift toward parental overprotection, which began in the 1990s. Many parents—driven by fear and societal pressure—now see smartphones as an essential tool to keep their children safe and reachable.
Others highlight the particular pressures faced by mothers, who are often expected to meet impossibly high standards of parental presence. In this context, screens can become a coping mechanism. Meanwhile, concerns about inequality are surfacing: while affluent families—especially in Silicon Valley—are limiting digital access, children in less advantaged communities are often exposed to more screen time, making this as much an equity issue as it is an educational one.
Empowering Children with the Right Message
Policy and parenting matter—but so does speaking directly to children. Jonathan Haidt’s team is developing a youth-friendly version of his book The Anxious Generation, aiming to help young people understand how tech companies design apps to hook them—and how this often leads to sadness and isolation. The message is simple: real life matters. And connection doesn’t come from content.
Conclusion: Time for a Smartphone Reset
The evidence is mounting, and the urgency is clear. Excessive smartphone use is affecting children’s emotional health, cognitive function, and social development. While many schools have taken decisive action, there is growing momentum for national policy to catch up.
Public support, expert voices, and cultural awareness are all aligning. The focus is no longer just about restricting phone use—it’s about actively fostering a childhood where real-life connection, imagination, and wellbeing take precedence.
At the OSA, we believe that a fully “smartphone-free childhood” may not be realistic or attainable for all families. That’s why education remains key—not only for those children who do use smartphones, but also to ensure every adolescent is equipped with the digital skills and awareness they’ll need as they grow. The OSA will continue working to support young people in developing safe, responsible, and informed relationships with technology.