Impact on Brain Development

Children's brains continue developing throughout childhood and adolescence. Skills such as attention, memory, concentration, language and decision-making are built gradually through everyday experiences including play, conversation, reading, problem-solving and learning.

Technology is now part of daily life for most children and young people. While smartphones can support learning, creativity and connection, they can also influence how developing brains learn to focus, process information and regulate attention.

Did You Know?

The average UK child receives their first smartphone at around age 11, often before the parts of the brain responsible for impulse control and decision-making are fully developed.

The brain continues developing into a person's mid-20s, particularly the areas responsible for attention, self-control and emotional regulation.

Reading for pleasure is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, yet increased screen use is often linked with less time spent reading.

Many smartphone apps are intentionally designed to keep users engaged through notifications, personalised content, autoplay and infinite scrolling.

Attention & Concentration

Attention is one of the foundations of learning and develops through practice. Children strengthen these skills when they read, solve problems, listen, create and focus on one task for sustained periods.

Many digital platforms are designed to capture attention through rapid rewards, endless content and frequent interruptions. For developing brains, this can make slower-paced activities such as reading, homework and classroom learning feel less engaging by comparison.

‍Children may find themselves:

Checking devices more frequently
Struggling to stay focused on one task
Becoming frustrated by slower activities
Finding it harder to tolerate boredom

The goal is not to remove technology, but to ensure children have regular opportunities to practise deep focus away from smartphones.

Download our guide: Attention, Algorithms & Developing Brains

Sleep & Brain Development

Sleep plays a vital role in learning, memory and healthy brain development. During sleep, the brain processes information, strengthens learning and prepares for the day ahead.

Smartphone use in the evening can delay sleep and make it harder for the brain to switch off. Notifications, gaming, messaging and social media can all contribute to reduced sleep quality.

Research shows that poor sleep can affect:

Concentration
Memory
Emotional wellbeing
Behaviour
Learning and attainment

Protecting sleep is one of the simplest and most effective ways families can support children's development and we know that smartphones have a significantly negative impact here.

Download our guide: Sleep, Smartphones & Learning

Language, Reading & Learning

Children develop language through conversation, storytelling and interaction with others. Reading also plays a crucial role in building vocabulary, comprehension and imagination.

When screen use replaces conversation, reading or other learning experiences, children may have fewer opportunities to develop these important skills.

Children benefit from:

Reading regularly
Rich conversations with adults
Creative and imaginative play
Time away from screens
A variety of learning experiences

Katie Washbourne - Ordinary Magic

"Children are not miniature adults.

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The parts of the brain responsible for attention, self-control, planning and decision-making continue developing throughout childhood and adolescence. This means children are learning to manage technologies that many adults find difficult to put down.