Netflix’s hit show Adolescence has got people talking – and for good reason. It tells the gripping story of a 13-year-old boy who gets arrested for a shocking crime. As his devastated parents try to understand what went wrong, they discover the dark online world their son had been exposed to.

While Adolescence portrays a worst-case scenario, (one that most families will hopefully never have to face), it raises some big questions about kids and smartphones. How much harm do these devices really cause? And is it time to rethink whether our children should have them at all?

But Aren’t Smartphones Useful?

Lots of parents give their kids a smartphone around age 11 – in preparation for secondary school. It makes sense: smartphones help kids feel independent while giving parents peace of mind. Plus, no one wants their child to be left out when all their friends are chatting in group texts.

So, what’s the alternative? Or is going smartphone-free just unrealistic? Perhaps instead of asking what happens if my child doesn’t have a phone?, maybe we should be asking what happens if they do?

In this article, we’ll explore the most common challenges that smartphones can cause families. But it’s not all bad news – we’ll also mention the initiatives that are championing smartphone free childhoods and highlight resources that offer practical alternatives.

The Downsides of Kids Having Smartphones

While Adolescence shows an extreme case, the real concern for most parents is the everyday downsides of kids’ smartphone use. Here are some of the common problems that families encounter when kids have a smartphone:

1. Exposure to Harmful Content

Even when we keep children off social media, disturbing content has a way of sneaking in – especially through messaging apps like WhatsApp. Some kids stumble upon violent, racist, or explicit material, while others share it without realising the consequences. Just like in Adolescence, constant exposure to this kind of content can desensitise young minds and normalise destructive behaviours.

2. Cyberbullying That Never Ends

Once upon a time, bullying was something kids could escape from when they left school. Not anymore. Smartphones mean that bullying now follows kids home, invading their personal space 24/7. As discussed in Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, this constant pressure has been linked to increased anxiety, depression and even violent thoughts among teens.

3. A Family Disconnect

Teenagers aren’t exactly known for being chatty with their parents, so when they do want to spend time together, it’s golden. Unfortunately, smartphones often get in the way. With endless distractions at their fingertips, teens are more likely to scroll than spend time with family or enjoy real-life friendships. Meanwhile, hobbies often take a backseat as the pull of smartphones, social media and gaming takes hold.

4. Taking Advice from the Wrong People

There was a time when kids turned to parents, teachers, or older siblings for advice. Now? They’re more likely to ask Google and ChatGPT or follow influencers who prioritise entertainment or advertising revenues over responsibility.

5. The Never-Ending Battle Over Screen Time

Smartphones can turn family life into a battleground. Parents try to set screen limits, kids push back, and arguments escalate. Social media and gaming apps are designed to be addictive, making it even harder for kids to unplug – resulting in mood swings, defiance, and some serious eye-rolling.

6. The False Sense of Safety

Many parents feel reassured when their child is at home, rather than out and about. But a smartphone brings the outside world in. From radicalisation to online grooming to gangs recruiting school-aged kids, the risks don’t magically disappear just because they’re in their bedroom. In fact, social media can increase these dangers.

7. Sleep Deprivation and Health Issues

Late-night scrolling isn’t just a bad habit – it also disrupts melatonin levels, making it harder for kids to fall (and stay) asleep. Poor sleep leads to crankiness, trouble focusing and struggles in school.

8. The Behavioural Impact of Smartphone Addiction

Teens are already dealing with mood swings thanks to hormones but throw in smartphone addiction and things can get really intense. Increased irritability, impulsiveness, and defiance? It’s all part of the package.

So, What’s the Alternative?

Some people say it’s too late to do anything – the smartphone genie is out of the bottle. But just because something is difficult, does that mean we shouldn’t try? Thanks to shows like Adolescence and books like The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, more parents are questioning whether smartphones really belong in kids’ hands.

A growing movement, Smartphone Free Childhood, is already making waves. With over 200,000 parents involved, they’re pushing for change – encouraging schools to ban smartphones and asking parents to hold off until at least the end of Year 9.

Here’s some of their advice:

If Your Child Already Has a Smartphone:

• No phones upstairs – Most online harm happens when kids are alone in their rooms.
• Use parental controls – To make the phone as safe as possible.
• Keep communication open – If they know they can talk to you, they’re more likely to come to you with concerns.

If Your Child Doesn’t Have a Smartphone Yet:

• Delay as long as possible – Ideally until at least 14.
• No social media before 16 – The risks outweigh the benefits.
• Try a simple phone instead – A basic phone allows calls and texts without all the distractions.

Smart Alternatives to Smartphones

If the main reason for giving your child a smartphone is safety, there are other options:

• • GPS trackers – Devices like AirTags can track location without the distractions of a smartphone.
  • Debit cards and bus passes – These work without needing banking or transport apps.
  • ‘Brick phones’ – Simple phones that allow calls and texts, but no social media or internet.
  • Family computers – A shared computer in a communal space means internet use can be supervised.

Final Thoughts: Finding Balance in a Digital World

Teen brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to poor decision-making and impulse-driven behaviour. Smartphones only amplify these challenges. As Adolescence so powerfully illustrates, digital exposure can reshape a child’s worldview, habits and mental health in ways that are tough to undo.

Parents shouldn’t have to tackle the challenges alone though – schools, communities, the government and society as a whole all have a role to play in rethinking kids’ smartphone use. By having open conversations, setting boundaries, and exploring better alternatives together, we can help kids navigate the digital world without getting lost in it.

Support For Children and Teenagers at Castle Clinic

If your child or teenager is suffering with anxiety, depression or violent thoughts and needs support, we have our Art Psychotherapist, Fiona who can help. Call 01423 787800 to find out more.

Useful Resources:

Website: Smartphone Free Childhood

Book: The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt (available to buy at Castle Clinic)

TV: Swiped: The School that Banned Smartphones (Channel 4)

Documentary: The Social Dilemma (Netflix)

Podcast: How Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Brains, Dr Chatterjee