Smartphones are a huge part of life these days, especially for young people. They connect us, help us learn, and can even keep us safe. But it’s also important to understand the impact they can have on our well-being. At Cup-O-T, we work with young people and families, and we’ve seen firsthand how tricky it can be to balance the benefits of technology with the potential challenges. We also know, as many of us are parents ourselves, that mobile phones are a reality for young people today, but we want to shine a light on the other side of the coin.
The Smartphone Story: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
It’s no secret that smartphones are incredibly popular. Around 95% of teenagers own a smartphone (Pew Research, 2023), and they spend a lot of time using them. Recent studies show teens spend an average of 7-9 hours per day on screens (Common Sense Media, 2021).
From keeping up with friends and family to learning new things and finding information, smartphones offer so much. They can be a real help with schoolwork, offering access to online resources and making it easier to collaborate on projects.
They can also help young people build and maintain friendships, connecting with others who share their interests.
However, there’s a downside too. It’s easy to get distracted by notifications and social media, which can sometimes make it harder to focus on schoolwork. Studies have shown that students using smartphones during study time tend to have poorer grades. Spending too much time online has also been linked to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress in teenagers (Twenge, 2019). Constant exposure to social media can increase feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). And let’s not forget the impact on sleep – the blue light from screens can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest, which can affect mood and concentration.
Then there are the tougher issues.
Cyberbullying is a serious problem, with studies showing that 1 in 5 teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying (Pew Research, 2022). There’s also the risk of encountering inappropriate content or unsafe interactions.
And the constant comparison to “perfect” lives online can impact self-esteem. Because apps are designed to be engaging, it’s possible to develop a dependency on them, which can affect mental health, productivity, and relationships.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Documentaries like “The Social Dilemma” and “Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones” offer some eye-opening insights into the impact of smartphones and social media. They highlight how these platforms are designed to keep us hooked, and how this can affect our mental health and well-being. They also show us what can happen when we take a step back from constant connectivity, with reports of students feeling less stressed and more connected in person when smartphone use is reduced.
Navigating social media can feel overwhelming, but SWGfL’s free social media checklists are a brilliant resource to help you stay safe and in control online. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young person, these handy guides walk you through privacy settings, safety features, and tips for using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and more. Perfect for making informed choices and promoting digital wellbeing. You can explore the checklists here.
Finding a Balance
So, what can we do? It’s not about saying no to smartphones altogether. Instead, it’s about finding a healthy balance. Here are a few ideas:
- Education is Key: Schools can play a big role in helping young people understand the impact of screen time and social media.
- Screen-Free Time: Encourage young people to take breaks from their devices and engage in other activities, like sports, reading, or spending time outdoors. Nature is a wonderful way to recharge and connect with ourselves and the world around us.
- Setting Limits: Help young people set healthy boundaries around their device use. There are even apps that can help monitor and limit screen time.
What Are Your Thoughts?
We’d love to hear your experiences and ideas. How do you think we can help young people navigate the digital world in a healthy way?
Remember, at Cup-O-T, we’re here to support young people and families. We believe in the power of nature and outdoor activities to promote mental well-being. If you’d like to learn more about our programs, please visit our website.
Resources:
- Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones (2024), Channel 4 Documentary with Emma & Matt Willis
- The Social Dilemma (2020), Netflix Documentary
- Pew Research Centre, “Teens and Technology” Report (2023)
- Common Sense Media, “The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens” (2021)
- Jean M. Twenge, iGen (2019)
- Australian Government, “Social Media Ban for Under-16s” (2023)
- SWGfL’s free social media checklists
