Youth increasingly choosing to disconnect from digital screens

A new study by audience insights firm GWI reveals that children and adolescents are increasingly choosing to disconnect from digital screens to protect their mental health, safety, and concentration. Among 12 to 15-year-olds, the number of individuals taking regular breaks from smartphones and other devices has risen by 18% since 2022. Approximately 40% of this age group now report consciously distancing themselves from digital platforms.

Research involving 20,000 young people and their parents across 18 countries suggests these shifts are often driven by peer discussions and a growing awareness of the negative impacts of excessive social media use. Strategies employed by youth include deleting harmful applications, using “do not disturb” modes, and silencing notifications to regain focus. Sonia Livingstone, director of the Digital Futures for Children center at the London School of Economics, noted that children are experimenting with various ways to protect their well-being rather than rejecting digital life entirely.