Social Media and Under-16s Impact on Children’s Mental Health in Hale

By Dr Varshini Rajakulendran, GP, Mayfield Clinic Hale

Why the Debate on Social Media and Under-16s Matters

Smartphone and social media use among children has become a prominent public and political issue. Last week the House of Lords supported proposals to restrict social media access for under-16s, prompting a government consultation on online harm. In Hale and across the UK parents face growing anxiety, fuelled by movements such as Smartphone Free Childhood and publications like The Anxious Generation. While many families remain uncertain, adolescence is a critical period of emotional and neurological development and understanding appropriate digital boundaries has never been more important.

Sensitivity of the Adolescent Brain

The adolescent brain is still developing impulse control, emotional regulation and risk assessment. Young people are particularly sensitive to social feedback, reward and peer approval. Research shows children spending more than 3 hours per day on social networking sites are significantly more likely to report anxiety, low mood and poor mental health compared with those who spend little or no time online. Excessive use has been linked to sleep disturbance, reduced concentration, body image concerns and heightened sensitivity to social comparison or online conflict.

Finding Balance and Protective Factors

Social media can offer connection, creativity and a sense of belonging for some young people. However these benefits depend on age, maturity, boundaries and support. For many children, particularly those who are more emotionally vulnerable, the risks of unrestricted access may outweigh the positives. Encouraging physical activity, face-to-face friendships and screen-free time remains one of the most effective protective factors for children’s mental health.

Practical Actions for Parents

Pause and assess developmental readiness. Decisions about smartphones and social media should be based on emotional maturity, resilience and ability to manage boundaries not simply age or peer pressure. Keep conversations open and non-judgemental. Regular calm discussions help children feel safe to share concerns. Model healthy digital behaviour at home by setting visible boundaries around your own phone use. Protect sleep by avoiding screens for at least an hour before bedtime and keep devices out of bedrooms overnight.

Myths and Misconceptions

“All screen time is harmful.”

Not all digital use is the same. Educational content, creative activities and supervised communication differ from unrestricted social media.

“Every child needs social media to fit in.”

Many children thrive without early access, particularly when parents set clear boundaries.

“If my child is struggling, social media must be the sole cause.”

Mental health is complex. Social media may worsen existing difficulties but is rarely the only factor.

“Banning social media means avoiding difficult conversations.”

Clear limits work best when combined with honest ongoing discussions.

“If a child is unhappy without their phone it proves they need it.”

Distress often reflects habit or fear of missing out and usually settles with alternative activities.

Who Should Prioritise Boundaries?

Certain groups are more vulnerable to negative impacts and benefit from earlier support. These include children with anxiety, low mood or emotional regulation difficulties, those with low self-confidence or body image concerns, children experiencing sleep problems or social withdrawal and those facing bullying or neurodiversity-related challenges. For these groups clearer boundaries and closer parental support can safeguard mental wellbeing.

When to Seek Professional Support

Consider seeking help if a child shows persistent changes in mood, sleep or behaviour linked to smartphone use. Early conversations with a GP can explore concerns, offer practical guidance and provide timely support before difficulties become entrenched.

Book an appointment with me, Dr Varshini Rajakulendran, at Mayfield Clinic Hale.