Study Finds Young People Struggle to Reduce Phone Usage
A recent survey conducted by youth charity OnSide has shed light on the challenges faced by young people in managing their screen time. The study revealed that more than half of young individuals who heavily use their phones express a desire to reduce their usage but lack the knowledge of how to do so effectively. This trend has been labelled as “Generation Isolation” due to 75% of young people spending the majority of their free time at home, relying on screens for entertainment and social interaction.
According to the survey, 76% of young people aged 11-18 cite habit, boredom, and the fear of missing out as driving factors behind their excessive screen time. Activities such as watching streamed content, gaming, and communicating with friends were found to be common uses of screen time among the participants. Despite the integral role that devices play in their lives, over half (52%) of avid smartphone users expressed a desire to scale back their usage, with 42% admitting a lack of knowledge on how to achieve this.
OnSide has suggested that youth clubs could provide a beneficial solution for this demographic, with 93% of young people attending such centres reporting a positive impact on their lives. For instance, 15-year-old Ethan, a member of The Hive Youth Zone, shared how his mental health and social skills have improved since joining the club, leading to a more positive daily outlook and newfound friendships.
Interestingly, although young people extensively utilise smartphones in their free time, only 15% associate phone usage with feelings of happiness. This sentiment resonates with findings from the Girl’s Attitude Survey by Girlguiding, revealing that many girls and young women have experienced online harm but are reluctant to disengage from social media due to FOMO (fear of missing out).
The OnSide study, which included 5,213 participants aged between 11 and 18, offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by young people regarding phone usage and the potential benefits of alternative activities, such as attending youth clubs. As society continues to grapple with the impact of digital technologies on the younger generation, promoting a healthy balance between online and offline experiences remains a crucial consideration for the well-being of young individuals.