Let’s talk about kids & smartphones

Smartphones are a big part of life today. However, there is now an alarming amount of evidence and research of the negative effects of smartphones and social media on children and young people. These include: • Poor mental health, such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem • Cyberbullying and social pressures that continue beyond the school day • Reduced attention spans: changing the way children’s brains develop, fundamentally affecting ability to concentrate and focus • Exposure to dangerous and harmful content, and inappropriate material • Opportunity cost: Smartphones can be highly addictive, and hours spent on a device reduces time spent playing, interacting and developing vital social skills Across our schools, we are seeing these issues first-hand. Situations that begin online often carry into school, affecting friendships, behaviour and wellbeing. Many parents also tell us they feel they introduced smartphones too early and have seen negative effects at home. Many parents feel pressure to give their child a smartphone in readiness for secondary school, and over 90% of 12-year-olds now have a smartphone. This period is crucial for brain development. Studies have found that the younger a child gets a smartphone, the worse their mental health will be. This is an opportunity for us as a community to come together, support each other and discuss changes we can make to protect our children. Due to sensitive content - over 18s only