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Smartphones and Social Media

Online Harm

Smartphones and social media can have negative impacts on children's mental and physical health. While they can offer benefits like connection and learning, excessive use can lead to negative consequences like reduced face-to-face interaction, impaired cognitive function, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression

Protecting children from online harm

Smartphones and social media can present a number of challenges for teachers and other professionals caring for children. 9 in 10 children have a smartphone by the age of 11 and research shows that the messages they receive during these formative years can shape the way they view and experience the world around them. Sometimes this can negatively impact children’s mental health but it can be hard to know what to do to support their wellbeing.