Smartphones: a lifeline and a pressure point for Dorset’s young people
In Poole, Dorset, young people describe smartphones as both a safety net and a source of anxiety. A recent discussion at a Smartphone Free Childhood event, featuring local authorities, educators, and health experts, highlighted how these devices shape daily life for children and teenagers. While phones help maintain friendships and provide quick access to information, critics worry about developmental and mental health impacts as screens become almost inseparable from everyday life.
Why phones feel almost essential
Nine out of ten children in the UK owned a mobile phone by age 11, according to Ofcom’s February 2024 report. In the Dorset discussion, 12-year-old Ellie explained how her phone keeps her connected with friends who live far away, helps coordinate school-day activities, and even provides a sense of security in emergencies. “It is harder to talk to people without one,” she said, illustrating how chat apps and group messages have become a default mode of social interaction for many youngsters.
Ellie’s routine reflects a broader trend: the phone is a constant companion, not just a gadget. For many, platforms like WhatsApp and Snapchat function as social threads that weave the day’s conversations together—whether sharing updates on school trips, planning meetups, or venting about peer dynamics. Yet the same connectivity that fosters friendship can amplify pressure, with group chats sometimes becoming spaces for exclusion or cruel messages.
Benefits: safety, connectivity, and access
Participants at the event stressed tangible advantages of smartphone ownership. Phones enable quick contact with family, real-time coordination, and the ability to document and share experiences. For instance, when a trip runs late or shifts in plans occur, a quick message can reassure parents and keep everyone informed. In environments like schools and after-school programs, having a phone can offer a perceived safety net—an immediate line to caregivers when needed.
Managing screen time and health risks
Experts like Dr. Helen Thomas, a GP and author of NHS digital health training, warn that early widespread smartphone use may influence mental and physical development, social skills, and coping abilities. She stressed the importance of cautious parenting and ongoing dialogue about technology, noting that a hands-off approach is rarely effective in the modern digital era.
Liberty, a 15-year-old participant, described FOMO—fear of missing out—as a consequence of browsing posts and seeing peers’ activities. The pressure to keep up can spur longer screen times and more frequent social comparisons. Some youths try to mitigate these effects with tools like screen-time limits, yet these measures are not a replacement for mindful habits and meaningful offline connections.
What parents can do: practical steps
Dr. Thomas advocated for deliberate, open conversations with teens about technology use and the potential downsides. She suggested enrolling children in a gradual, age-appropriate tech plan, such as:
- Starting with non-smart options where appropriate, like brick phones for younger children or “tech-lite” strategies.
- Setting clear rules about group chats, online etiquette, and privacy expectations.
- Fostering offline activities that build communication skills, resilience, and teamwork.
- Creating space for regular check-ins where teens can express concerns about online interactions without fear of punishment.
The takeaway from Dorset’s discussions is nuanced: smartphones offer undeniable benefits for safety and connectivity, but they require thoughtful management to protect mental health and social development. As families, schools, and communities navigate these changes, the emphasis remains on honest dialogue, balanced routines, and alternatives that reduce dependence on screens.
Looking ahead
In five years, experts worry about how evolving digital landscapes will shape the workplace and interpersonal skills. Core competencies—timeliness, teamwork, and effective communication—will still matter, regardless of device. The consensus is: smart parenting and practical boundaries, not bans, are key to helping young people leverage technology while safeguarding their growth.
