Health Groups Highlight Risks of Technology Use Among Children

Health organisations and researchers have identified a range of health concerns associated with technology and device use among children, prompting new evidence-gathering and guidance efforts in the UK.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), which includes 23 medical royal colleges and faculties, stated that clinicians working in NHS primary, secondary, and community care have reported numerous cases they attribute to technology use among young people. The AoMRC announced plans to collect further evidence and aims to complete this work within three months.

In a recent step, the AoMRC sent a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, with copies to the NIHR chief executive and the Chief Medical Adviser. This action follows ongoing reports of health impacts observed by healthcare professionals in various NHS settings.

Research from Ofcom indicated that every UK child interviewed had encountered violent content online, including depictions of school fights, animal cruelty, and extreme violence. Additional studies have linked extended screen time to increased risks of eye conditions and mental health challenges in children and adolescents.

What the numbers show

• Each extra hour of daily screen time is linked to 21% higher odds of myopia
• Nearly one-third of children as young as 11 show signs of tech-related addiction
• Internet Matters found 67% of children experienced harm online in 2025
• Four or more hours of daily screen time is associated with higher odds of anxiety and depression

Internet Matters’ 2025 index reported that 67% of children experienced some form of harm online, with 27% contacted by strangers, 22% exposed to violent content, and 41% encountering false information. These findings highlight the range of online risks children face in digital environments.

Studies have also examined the relationship between technology use and mental health. A JAMA study found that about one-third of children as young as 11 displayed signs of addiction to mobile phones, social media, or video games, and these behaviors were associated with at least 1.5 times higher likelihood of mental health problems.

Research has also linked early smartphone ownership to long-term risks. According to a global study involving over 100,000 participants, children who owned smartphones before age 13 had higher rates of adverse outcomes in adulthood, including suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment, and difficulty with emotional regulation.

Guidance from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recommends that parents set limits on screen time and avoid allowing children to use screens in the hour before bedtime. These recommendations are intended to support healthier routines and reduce potential negative effects associated with excessive device use.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.