Summary of new DSIT Study: Understanding the impact of smartphones and social media on children and young people

Findings from DSIT study highlight gaps in evidence on how tech affects children’s mental health, and sets out where research could have the most impact

DSIT has published the Feasibility study of methods and data to understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children and young people. The paper reviews what is known about how smartphones, social media and related digital technologies affect the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people and identifies important gaps in the evidence.

The research was produced by a Scientific Consortium of 14 UK scholars and commissioned to help inform better research and policy decisions. The summary below captures the key points.

Summary

The study notes concern about the potential risks associated with digital technologies, including bullying and exploitation, however, highlights that the UK currently lacks high-quality causal evidence on population-level impacts on children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Research consistently shows a small correlation between higher social media use and poorer adolescent mental health, but it does not clarify whether social media or smartphone use is the cause, the effect, or whether other factors, such as family environment or socioeconomic status, are influencing both. Evidence on AI chatbots and smartphones specifically is extremely limited, and there are almost no robust experimental studies capable of testing causation.

The Scientific Consortium behind the report emphasises that clearer answers will require more rigorous, policy-relevant research, stronger data, and meaningful involvement of young people and communities in shaping future work. Current research also tends to focus on time spent online rather than the specific activities children engage in, the content they encounter, or which other activities may be displaced.

School phone restrictions show more consistent benefits for in-school behaviour, but evidence for wider mental health and wellbeing outcomes is less robust, likely because these are influenced by both in- and out-of-school factors.

Recommendations for potential research investments

The study outlines priorities for government and funders if the goal is to generate robust, causal evidence over the next two to three years:

What this means for tech

The report reinforces techUK’s view that better evidence should guide better policy. Whilst current research shows links between technology use and mental health, precise causal links are still lacking, highlighting the need for rigorous, policy-relevant studies. Stronger data, clearer insights and closer collaboration between government, researchers, industry and young people will be vital to balancing innovation with safety. techUK will be will delving more into the details of the study and its implications for digital regulation and online safety over the course of this week.

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