Smartphone use ‘doesn’t affect teen wellbeing’

Using smartphones and other screens has little impact on the wellbeing of teenagers, according to a new study.

Researchers at Oxford University found little evidence to support fears of a link between smartphones and mental health, using data from more than 17,000 teenagers.

“Implementing best practice statistical and methodological techniques we found little evidence for substantial negative associations between digital-screen engagement and adolescent wellbeing,” said Amy Orben, researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute.

Time-use diaries and selfreported measures were used in the study, and the results suggested the total amount of time spent on screens per day had a limited impact on teenager’s mental health. It also noted that digital screen usage before sleeping presented no clear associations with a drop in wellbeing among teenagers.

However, a leading psychiatrist warned that the conclusions can only be limited. Dr Bernadka Dubicka, chair of the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “We know that screen time is not the main driver of mental illness, but dangerous online content can have an enormous impact on young people and their mental health.