New Documentary Explores Impact of Smartphones on Children

Matt and Emma Willis, hosting a new documentary, share their concerns about the influence of smartphones on children.

The two-part series, airing on Channel 4, investigates the effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s behaviour through a unique social experiment.

Students at The Stanway School in Colchester gave up their smartphones for 21 days, with experts tracking the changes.

Emma Willis explained: “So many parents feel like they’re losing their kids to devices. We wanted to get involved because we’re living it at home.” The couple, parents to three children aged 15, 12, and 8, see this issue firsthand.

Participants like Harry admitted to spending up to nine hours daily on his phone for gaming and texting.

For Scarlett, the break from her phone led to fewer panic attacks and less anxiety. Headteacher John Player observed a 17% reduction in student anxiety symptoms, describing the results as “really quick.”

The series highlights alarming trends, including findings from a recent report that one in four children exhibit behaviours resembling smartphone addiction.

The first episode airs this Wednesday, shedding light on the growing struggle between parenting and technology.