Survey Reveals Kids Take Charge of Smartphone Use for Better Mental Health

Kids are increasingly stepping away from their smartphones. They’re doing this to improve their mental health, boost their focus, and feel safer online. Research shows that many young people are taking control of their screen time rather than relying on parents to set limits.

A recent survey by GWI found that the number of 12- to 15-year-olds taking breaks from screens rose 18% since 2022. Now, 40% of this age group is choosing to unplug, based on responses from 20,000 families across 18 countries.

Professor Sonia Livingstone from the LSE’s Digital Futures for Children centre emphasizes that kids are aware of the potential downsides of too much social media. Her upcoming research highlights how young people are experimenting with different ways to protect their well-being. They’re taking breaks, avoiding negative content, and some are even quitting social media altogether.

Livingstone points out, “Children have received the message from parents and the media that too much screen time can be harmful.” This awareness has led them to seek healthier online habits.

Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, is noticing a shift in how teenagers view online living. Many are feeling overwhelmed by constant connectivity. “We hear from teens who want to break free for their mental health,” she says. They are realizing that social media platforms aren’t neutral; they are designed to capture attention and can affect self-esteem negatively. For them, taking a break is a form of rebellion.

Supporting this, a 2024 Ofcom report revealed that 33% of eight- to 17-year-olds online think they spend too much time on screens. Additionally, more young users are turning off notifications and using “do not disturb” modes than ever before.

Interestingly, David Ellis, a behavioral science expert at the University of Bath, notes that teens might be quicker to discover ways to manage their screen time than their parents are. However, he adds that long-term changes in behavior are still unclear. “Reducing screen time might lead to more physical activity,” he says, “but it could also result in time spent on less beneficial activities.”

Surveys show many young adults today wish they had less early access to smartphones. Some are considering limiting exposure to their own kids until they’re older. A recent poll indicated that nearly half of young people would prefer a world without the internet. Additionally, a large number feels worse about themselves after scrolling through social media.

This rising awareness parallels parents’ fears about social media addiction, which ranks high among their concerns for their children’s futures, alongside climate change and financial pressures. A notable 8% of parents have tightened screen time limits after watching Netflix’s “Adolescence,” which explores the dangers of online culture.

Overall, it seems young people are increasingly seeking balance. As they figure out how to navigate a digital world, their choices reflect a deeper understanding of their mental health and personal well-being.



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