Cambridge Leads Study on Children, Smartphones, and Social Media
- Liaura App
- Aug 21
- 2 min read
Smartphones and social media are part of growing up in 2025, but with constant connectivity comes a big question for parents: what is all this screen time actually doing to our children’s health and wellbeing?
A new UK-wide research project, led by the University of Cambridge, is investigating the answer, and it could shape how schools, families, and even the government approach online safety in the upcoming years.
Why This Study Is Important
Back in 2019, the UK’s Chief Medical Officer concluded that there wasn’t enough solid evidence to determine exactly how social media and smartphones were affecting young people’s mental health.
Technology is constantly evolving, but the research hasn’t always kept up.
Dr Amy Orben, who’s leading the Cambridge team, said:
“This is a complex and rapidly evolving issue, with both potential harms and benefits associated with smartphone use. Technology is changing by the day, and scientific evidence creation needs to evolve and innovate to keep up.”
“Our focus will be on deepening our causal understanding of the effects of new technologies, particularly over short timescales, to ensure that decisions are informed, timely and evidence-based.”
The research project team will aim to identify research methods and data sources that will be most effective at identifying potential causal relationships between social media, smartphones, and the health and development of children and young people.
What This Means for Parents
Whilst we wait for the results, there are steps you can take to help your child build healthy digital habits.
Education is the most important, ensuring both you and your child learn about the risks and understand the best ways to proactively stay safe. For example, parents can manage privacy settings and ensure open communication with their child about what is right or wrong when it comes to sharing and posting online.
As Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said, "The online world offers immense opportunities for young people to connect and learn. Ensuring they can do so in an environment which puts their safety first is my priority and will guide this government’s action on online safety.”
