Mental health
Longitudinal studies from the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Oxford Internet Institute and the CDC show steep rises in depressive symptoms correlated with heavy social media use among tween girls.
The issue
Research parents can trust
We distil the latest neuroscience, epidemiology and classroom data into accessible guides so every conversation is grounded in facts, not fear.
Brain development
Neuroscientists highlight how reward pathways are especially plastic during puberty. Always-on feedback loops remodel attention spans, impulse control and self-worth.
Protective factors
Delay works: kids who avoid smartphones through primary school sleep more, report stronger friendships and are less likely to encounter explicit content early. Phone-free classrooms also improve engagement for the entire cohort.