Seven signs your child's screen time could be a problem

Marie-Claire Dorking
·Contributor
Updated ·6-min read
School girl walking to school looking at her mobile phone. (Getty Images)
New research has found a more 'holistic' approach to screen time is needed rather than just banning phones in school. (Getty Images)

A ban on mobile phones in schools has been discussed for quite some time, but new research has found restricting phone use in the classroom does not improve grades or mental wellbeing in young people.

The landmark study, by the University of Birmingham, found students’ sleep, exercise, academic record, and exercise did not differ between schools with and without phone bans in place.

Evidence also showed restrictive phone policies did not lower the overall time young people spent on their phones throughout the day.

The findings, which have since been peer-reviewed and published, compared 1,227 students and 30 different secondary schools. "There is no evidence to support that restrictive school phone policies, in their current forms, have a beneficial effect on adolescents’ mental health and wellbeing or related outcomes," it concluded.

However, increased screen time did impact the mental health, classroom behaviour, physical activity and sleep cycles of students overall.

Dr Victoria Goodyear, the study’s lead author, told the BBC that school phone bans were not an effective way to tackle the negative impacts of screen time overuse. "What we’re suggesting is that those bans in isolation are not enough to tackle the negative impacts," she said. "We need to do more than just ban phones in schools."

Instead the study called for a more "holistic" approach to lowering screen time use among students.

Boy on his mobile phone at home. (Getty Images)
Parents are increasingly worried about the addictive nature of mobile phones. (Getty Images)

The news comes after Mumsnet launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of smartphone and social media addiction in children.

Rage Against the Screen hopes to help to empower parents with the tools and knowledge they need to safeguard their kids and calling on the government to take action and to encourage stronger legislation like Josh MacAlister MPs Safer Phones Bill to protect children from harmful online practices.

The campaign launch follows research, carried out by the parenting site last year, that found 68% of users would back a complete ban on social media for under 16s, while 62% of parents are concerned about the impact of excess screen time on their child’s mental health.

As well as being on technology for hours family psychotherapist, Fiona Yassin, tells Yahoo UK those with a dependency issue may also get defensive, angry, irritable and may even get aggressive if they are asked to come off their screens. "They may also lie about the time they spend on their phone and pretend they aren’t on it when they are," she adds.

In those developing an increased dependency everyday necessities, such as sleep and eating times can become disrupted. Yassin says some children may get up at night to check their phone, or go to bed with their phone. "They may also reach for their phone the moment they are bored," she adds. "Or neglect sports and hobbies they used to enjoy."

Boy on his mobile phone in bed. (Getty Images)
There are some signs parents can look out for that suggest an increasing dependency on a mobile phone. (Getty Images)

Children who are developing an addiction seem to get a "buzz" or be on a "high" when they are on a screen. "And experience ‘withdrawal’ symptoms when they are not on it," Yassin adds.

Yassin says physical symptoms may start to show when your child is excessively using technology, such as complaints of a headache, or stiffness in the back or neck from looking down at their phone.

Parents should also look out for "anticipatory anxiety". "A child becomes agitated or preoccupied before they’re even separated from a screen," psychologist Barbara Santini tells Yahoo UK. "They might start asking repeatedly when they can have it back, or become visibly anxious at the mere suggestion of it being taken away. This suggests a deep psychological reliance."

Another key indicator of technology dependency is what Santini refers to as “displacement”. "Are they displacing crucial developmental activities, such as playing outdoors with their friends, engaging in hobbies, and having proper face-to-face conversations, with screen time?" she asks.

Santini says parents may also notice difficulties with emotional regulation, increased impulsivity, and a decline in school performance.

Santini says tackling an increase in screen dependency in children requires a more rounded approach than simply setting time limits. "We need to understand the underlying needs the phone is fulfilling," she explains. "Is it a need for social connection? A way to escape boredom? A search for validation?"

Yassin suggests setting a positive example for your young person by having screen free time. "Put your phone out of sight at mealtimes or in the evening and be aware of using your phone for long periods or whilst you’re around family and friends," she adds.

People revert to their phones because they have an addictive quality. "Stepping away from devices is important for us all, and although they may initially resist, having time away can be particularly beneficial for young people," Yassin says.

"Set a goal - a minimum amount of time you want your break to last - and once you’ve achieved it, come together as a family and reflect on how you feel," she continues.

Family taking a walk to try and distract children from their phones. (Getty Images)
Experts suggests engaging children in activities away from their phone. (Getty Images)

Help to limit the time your young person spends on a screen by distracting them with other activities. "It’s difficult to scroll whilst taking part in an activity like sport, cooking, art or volunteering," Yassin advises. "Distracting away from their phone is not to prevent your young person from connecting with friends, it’s about encouraging them to engage in in-person experiences and activities that can help young people to feel fulfilled and more confident."

Rather than accusing your young person of overusing their phone, Yassin suggests being inquisitive about what it is they are doing on it by asking them a range of questions. "Does anything upset you on social media? Have you posted something that you don’t feel comfortable with? Are you worried about the content you’re seeing on your phone? Do you think you have a different online persona to the one you have in-person?" she adds.

Teenage girl sharing problems with her mother.
Talking to children about their life on their phones can help break a dependency. (Getty Images)

If you think your young person is suffering with their mental health, is consumed by the pressures of social media, or is suicidal, seek professional help immediately.

"Some mental health cases and disorders will require the assistance of a psychiatrist or mental health professional," Yassin says. "Know that there are specialists who can help and you do not have to face this alone."

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