A growing number of children are taking breaks from their smartphones to enhance their mental health, personal safety, and focus, according to recent research.
Experts emphasize that this trend is a response to increased awareness about the potential harm of unchecked social media and smartphone use, rather than merely excessive time spent online.
Research from an audience analysis firm reveals that the percentage of 12-15-year-olds who are stepping away from smartphones, computers, and iPads has surged by 40%, up from 18% in 2022 Golden Week. This data stems from a survey involving 20,000 young individuals and their parents across 18 nations.
Professor Sonia Livingston, Director of LSE’s Digital Futures for Children Center, noted that these findings will soon be published. According to the study, children and teens are exploring varied methods to manage how their online experiences impact their well-being—such as taking breaks from social media, diverting from online negativity, seeking positive internet experiences, and, in some cases, completely quitting social media.
Livingston remarked:
“They’re trying out various strategies to safeguard their well-being without completely abandoning social media. They are communicating about what works best for them and are aware of future implications.”
Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of Smart Phone Free Childhood, added:
“Many young individuals realize that these platforms are not impartial. They are designed to capture attention. Their time, focus, and self-worth are often exploited by major corporations. Taking a break has turned into a form of rebellion.”
This notion is echoed in Ofcom’s findings. A report from 2024 indicates that one-third (33%) of 8-17 year-olds online believe their screen time is excessive. Additionally, another study found that 47% of 16-24-year-olds on social media had disabled notifications and utilized “do not disturb” mode, an increase from 40% in 2023, in contrast to 28% of older users.
Thirty-four percent of youth are more inclined to intentionally take breaks from social media (up from 23% who would not), 29% uninstall apps that consume too much time (compared to 19% who do not), and 24% remove apps for mental health reasons (up from 13%).
David Ellis, Professor of Behavioral Science at Bath University, observed that teens may possess more control over their smartphone and social media usage than their parents.
Ellis stated: “If someone reduces their screen time and increases physical activity, it’s generally seen as a positive change, potentially replacing that time with something more beneficial.”
A young man aged 18 to 25 shared with the Guardian that he previously felt his parents’ generation lacked guidance on smartphone usage, granting too much access. He mentioned he would limit smartphone access for his children until their late teens.
Recent surveys show that nearly half of young people envision a world without the internet and many support digital curfews; however, after using social media, more than three-quarters expressed negative feelings about themselves.
According to GWI Research, social media addiction ranks among the top parental worries, alongside climate change, war, and housing issues. Furthermore, 8% of parents reported becoming stricter with screen time limits after viewing documentaries about the risks associated with online misconduct.
Source: www.theguardian.com
