Children, Smartphones, and the Psychological Cost of Connectivity

The acclaimed Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ has recently brought the subject of children, smartphones and technology to the forefront of our minds and societal conversation. The relationship between children, smartphones and psychological effects is an important issue, with evidence suggesting for good reason.

Recent statistics published by Ofcom reveal the extent of smartphone integration into the lives of children across the UK:

• One in four children aged 5–7 now own a smartphone.

• Two in five in the same age group are using WhatsApp, despite the platform's minimum age requirement of 13.

• Among secondary school pupils, 93% of 12–15-year-olds and 98% of 16–18-year-olds own smartphones.

• Over 50% of children under 13 are already active on social media platforms.

  
  

A further poll conducted by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza found that:

• 25% of children aged 8–15 spend 2–3 hours per day on devices such as smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles.

• 23% reported spending more than 4 hours daily on screens.

  
  

These figures are sobering—and they highlight an urgent need to reflect on the long-term consequences of this digital immersion.

Dopamine & Reward Systems

Smartphones have become an integral part of modern life, even among young children, frequently used for social media, gaming, messaging and entertainment. While these devices can offer educational tools and ways to stay connected, growing research highlights concerns about their impact on children’s psychological development.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure, reward, and motivation. It’s not the "happiness chemical" as it's often simplified, but it does drive the desire to repeat rewarding behaviours.

For example when a child gets:

• a “like” on a photo

• a message notification

• a win in a game

  
  

…it triggers a dopamine spike. Over time, this can train the brain to seek those quick hits of reward more and more and more leading to habit-forming or even addictive behaviour.

You can read more about children, technology and dopamine and the impact on children’s brain development here.

Cognitive Development and Attention and Screen Use

Children’s brains are especially sensitive to environmental influences during their early years. Cognitive development, particularly in areas such as attention, memory, and executive function (self-regulation of behaviour, ability to focus, plan and remember instructions), may be affected by excessive screen exposure.

Research from the National Institute of Health (NIH) Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study suggests that children who spend more than two hours a day on screens score lower on language and thinking tests. Additionally, MRI scans have revealed premature thinning of the cerebral cortex in children with high screen time—a region responsible for critical thinking and reasoning.

Fast-paced digital content, such as YouTube videos and mobile games, can condition the brain to expect rapid stimulation, leading to reduced attention spans and difficulty focusing on slower-paced, real-world tasks like reading or classroom learning.

As adults we can feel exhausted with the constant demands that our phones place on us, endless messages, social media notifications and emails, never fully switching off from them.  Now think of the demands it places on the developing brain of a child who does not yet have the skills to manage those constant demands and distractions. Children are having to multitask from an earlier age, pushing them to become overloaded and overwhelmed with content management, consequently influencing mental health and positive self-development.

Emotional Development and Mental Health

Emotional self-regulation is a key developmental milestone in childhood. Studies indicate that smartphone use, particularly when unmoderated, may interfere with this process.

Children frequently using smartphones are more likely to experience mood swings, irritability, and heightened emotional reactivity. These effects are partly attributed to constant dopamine stimulation from games, notifications, and social media—rewarding the brain in a way that encourages habitual, even compulsive use.

A systematic review published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2022 concluded that excessive screen time is associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and reduced emotional resilience in children and adolescents.

Social Development and Communication Skills

Face-to-face interaction is vital for the development of empathy, social cue recognition, and conflict resolution. When screen time replaces real-life socialisation, children may struggle with these essential skills.

Language development is another area of concern. Studies show that young children learn language best through live interaction, and passive screen viewing is significantly less effective.

Moreover, reliance on digital communication platforms can hinder the development of in-person communication skills, making it harder for children to form meaningful relationships or resolve conflicts independently.

Sleep Disruption and Developmental Consequences

Sleep is crucial for both physical growth and brain development. Smartphone use, especially in the hours before bed, has been shown to interfere with sleep quality and duration. The blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin production, delaying sleep onset and reducing REM sleep.

Chronic sleep disruption can impair learning, memory consolidation, mood regulation, and overall health, exacerbating the psychological effects of excessive smartphone use.

Recommendations for Healthy Smartphone Use

Smartphones themselves, are not inherently harmful—but their value or risk lies in how they are used. Experts recommend the following practices to minimise potential negative outcomes:

• Set clear screen time limits and enforce them consistently.

• Create device-free zones, such as bedrooms, mealtimes, and family gatherings.

• Encourage non-digital activities, including reading, outdoor play, and creative hobbies.

• Model appropriate smartphone behaviour—children take cues from the adults around them.

• Use parental controls and co-view digital content to ensure age-appropriate and meaningful engagement.

• Foster open communication—encourage honest conversations about digital wellbeing and the challenges of online life.

  
  

 A Movement Toward Change

Organisations such as Smartphone Free Childhood are advocating for a cultural shift. Their mission is simple: empower parents to delay smartphone ownership for their children, and reclaim childhood as a time of genuine connection, creativity, and freedom from digital pressures.

https://smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk

Conclusion: Boundaries Are an Act of Love

The growing body of research underscores a need for caution when it comes to smartphone use in childhood. While these devices offer certain benefits, unregulated and excessive use can interfere with cognitive, emotional, and social development. By setting thoughtful boundaries and prioritising offline experiences, parents and carers can help support healthier psychological outcomes for children in a digital age.

One last note…..

Clinical Psychologist Dr Becky Kennedy stated, ‘it is not a parent’s job to make kids happy’. This is a whole other subject to discuss, but in relation to smartphones and screen time, our job as parents is to put boundaries in place and keep children safe. We should not avoid upsetting our children—but we should set loving boundaries that keep them safe and support healthy development. Parents play a critical role by setting boundaries, modelling healthy device habits, and encouraging real-world connections that help children grow emotionally and socially.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens, protecting childhood may start with a simple but powerful decision: to pause, put the phone down, and connect.