Duncan James’ guest column
I found it interesting to hear this week that teenagers are using drugs and alcohol at their lowest rates since the early ’90s, and that smartphones and tablets are said to be the reason why. I know only too well the dangers of taking drugs. I was put on antidepressants after Blue split up and the side effects coming off them were bad. I had terrible panic attacks and it took me about a year to get off them.
Experts say that screen time can be so addictive for children, they call it “digital heroin.” I do worry about the amount of time my 11-year-old daughter Tianie-finn spends on social media. She is addicted to her iphone and if it runs out of charge there’s a meltdown. At her boarding school, their phones are taken off them at night and returned the following morning, which is a great idea.
But I’m not one to talk as I’m addicted to my phone and constantly on it. I have a group Whatsapp with the Blue boys and I update my Instagram and Twitter at least every day, as I’m worried I’ll lose fans if I don’t.
I’m obsessed with games on my phone, too – I’m currently playing Words With Friends with Lesley Joseph! I recognise that I have an addictive personality and I know that I would rather lose my wallet than my phone, which is mad! But we shouldn’t ban teens from using their smartphones and tablets, or stop them using social media. As long as it’s encouraged only to be used in moderation – and they are educated well on the potential dangers – it can be a positive experience.