With the school holidays in full swing, many children and young people naturally have more free time and often more time on their phones. From messaging friends and gaming to watching videos and scrolling through social media, smartphones are now a big part of everyday life.
Technology can offer plenty of benefits, but there is also a growing conversation around how much access is healthy for children and young people.
How Can Mobile Phone Use Affect Children?
Phones can help children stay connected, access information and enjoy their interests. However, frequent use can also bring challenges.
Constant notifications, group chats and social media can make it difficult to properly switch off. For some children, this can contribute to anxiety, disrupted sleep, difficulty concentrating or pressure to keep up with what friends are doing online.
For neurodivergent children and young people, the picture can be particularly individual. Online spaces may provide valuable opportunities to connect with others and explore shared interests, while the constant stimulation, social expectations or difficulty stepping away from a preferred activity can sometimes become overwhelming.
Rather than focusing solely on the amount of time spent on a phone, it can be helpful to consider how your child is using it and how they feel afterwards.
Why Are More Schools Restricting Smartphones?
Smartphone use in schools has become a growing topic of discussion, with many schools introducing or strengthening restrictions during the school day.
The aim is often to reduce distractions in lessons, encourage more face-to-face interaction and give children a break from the pressures that can come with being constantly connected.
For families, similar boundaries at home don’t have to mean removing technology altogether. Simple changes, such as phone-free mealtimes, keeping devices out of bedrooms overnight or planning activities away from screens, can help create a healthier balance.
Are There Alternatives to Smartphones?
For parents who want their child to have more independence without giving them full access to a smartphone, there are several alternatives.
The Garmin Bounce 2, for example, is a children’s smartwatch that allows calls, messaging and location sharing without the wider distractions of a smartphone. Other options include starter phones, such as the Xplora One, which provide more limited communication features, and child-friendly smartwatches, such as those from Xplora, which can offer calling, messaging and GPS without access to social media or unrestricted web browsing.
These alternatives won’t suit every child or family, but they show that greater independence doesn’t necessarily have to mean having a smartphone straight away.
Finding What Works for Your Family
There isn’t one set of phone rules that will work for every child. Age, maturity, individual needs and how your child responds to technology all matter.
If mobile phone use is beginning to affect your child’s sleep, mood, anxiety, concentration or family life, it may be worth looking at what’s happening beneath the behaviour.
At Tabla Psychology, we work with children, young people and their families to better understand their individual needs and find practical ways forward.
If you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing, behaviour or relationship with technology, get in touch with our team to find out how we can support you.
