How do we navigate technology safely in young people’s lives?
Technology’s role in supporting & challenging young people’s mental wellbeing.
With Ofcom recently reporting that more children than ever have access to a smartphone – 24% now own one- technology has undoubtedly become central to how young people connect socially, entertain themselves, and learn. This omnipresent connectivity is reshaping how they interact with the world and themselves, offering both opportunities and risks. The impact of this constant connectivity on young people’s mental health and wellbeing was recently explored in Channel 4’s Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones. In this experiment, a school in Essex challenged its students to give up their smartphones for 21 days. The results painted a stark picture of how technology affects mental health, relationships, and overall development in young people.
Despite initial resistance, students quickly reported feeling more present and connected with those around them. They noted reduced anxiety, improved concentration in lessons, increased kindness and sociability, and a greater desire for face-to-face interactions and activities at home. According to the headteacher at the school, students experienced a 17% drop in anxiety symptoms and an 18% reduction in depression-related behaviours within just three weeks. Sleep improved by an average of one hour per night, while social skills, eye contact, and conversational abilities noticeably increased. These findings reflect the broader concerns raised by mental health experts and educators, that excessive smartphone use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and reduced social engagement. Artswork’s Sales & Marketing Officer, Simi Rai, who is also currently training to be a Counsellor, offers her perspective:
“As a Counsellor-in-Training, my time counselling college students has given me valuable insights into their relationship with technology. Teenagers today have access to a wealth of information online, often finding answers to almost anything with just a few clicks. However, I’ve noticed a significant distinction between knowing and experiencing. Many young people I work with quote things they’ve seen online or describe emotions that seem almost rehearsed – intellectualised rather than genuinely felt. At first, I was struck by how self-aware they appeared. But when I shared this observation, my tutor offered a different perspective: ‘I wonder if they are self-aware, or self-conscious.’ This challenge to my initial assumption was eye-opening. It made me realise that while the internet provides endless resources and knowledge, it can also create a disconnect. By intellectualising their emotions instead of fully processing them, teenagers may start living ‘in their heads,’ bypassing the deeper emotional work that’s essential for development. Ultimately, having unlimited access to information can be as overwhelming as it is empowering, sometimes hindering true self-awareness and impacting overall mental wellbeing.”
Balancing Risks and Opportunities While technology’s impact on young people’s wellbeing can be challenging, its benefits can be transformative when approached thoughtfully. Smartphones, the internet, and emerging technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence offer unprecedented opportunities for connection, creativity, and personal growth.
Research by the Association for Computing Machinery highlights how platforms for gaming, online forums, and creative apps can provide outlets for self-expression, a sense of achievement, and peer support. They can also offer a safe space to reduce feelings of isolation for those who may struggle with face-to-face interactions. To maximise these benefits, guidance from teachers and parents is crucial.
Educators can integrate discussions about responsible online behaviour into lessons, helping young people navigate online spaces safely. Schools can also promote balance by encouraging offline activities and physical social interactions. Meanwhile, parents can create open dialogues about technology, set healthy boundaries, and manage screen time, while allowing young people to explore its positive potential.
As concerns remain over the role of technology in young people’s daily lives, perhaps the question isn’t whether they should use tools like smartphones, but how they can use them more wisely. With appropriate guidance, technology can be an opportunity to support young people rather than a challenge to overcome. As adults, we can actively support the wellbeing of young people and do more to understand how technology can support rather than dominate their lives.
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