Many of us have considered a digital detox or stepping back from social media, but new government proposals could turn that idea into reality for many teenagers. In the Commons late on Monday, the Government announced it will introduce age or functionality restrictions on social media for under-16s. As questions continue over what these potential limits might involve, we spoke to experts about the surprising benefits of stepping away from social media for children and families.
1. Helps Improve Children’s Attention Span and Focus
Liat Hughes Joshi, author of How To Unplug Your Child, explains: “The fast-moving swipe culture of social media speeds up the world and can have a big impact on children’s attention spans, making them feel overstimulated and causing offline content, like reading a book, to seem dull by comparison.” Cutting social media returns children to a simpler environment and slows everything down, which is beneficial.
Dr Hannah Sugarman, a clinical psychologist at Central Health London, agrees: “Research shows that constantly switching between phones, social media, and other devices harms sustained attention. Training yourself out of that leaves you better equipped to pay attention in a sustained way.”
2. Could Help Ease Anxiety Levels
“Social media algorithms are designed to keep us in emotive loops, and constant comparisons to curated lives fuel anxiety,” says Sugarman. “It’s unhealthy to spend time in that unreal space, warping your view of what you should be.” Hughes Joshi notes studies linking social media to anxiety, especially in girls, due to overstimulation, body image comparisons, and inappropriate content.
Both experts agree a detox reduces anxiety. Sugarman adds: “In the real world, we get balanced input, boosting self-esteem, mood, and reducing anxiety in children and adults.”
3. Improves Sleep
“Social media is addictive; unrestricted access keeps the brain stimulated, delaying sleep,” says Sugarman. “Extreme or harmful content fuels low mood and anxiety, further harming sleep.” Hughes Joshi adds: “A tired child may struggle with learning and concentration at school.” Taking a break from social media improves sleep, with positive ripple effects the next day.
4. Removes the Pressure to ‘Keep Up with the Joneses’
“In families where parents post everything, children feel family life is for public show,” says Hughes Joshi. Social media fuels unhealthy comparisons among kids and parents, creating a competitive parenting culture. “Comparing your child’s birthday party to influencers often makes you feel you’re short-changing your child.” Stepping away helps parents become less performative and more present.
5. Enhances Family Quality Time
“Healthy child development thrives on in-person interactions; a digital detox widens opportunities for that connection,” says Sugarman. Hughes Joshi agrees: “Time away from social media makes family time more present, reducing distraction and creating space for better conversations, which strengthens relationships.” She recommends replacing scrolling with activities like board game nights, family book clubs, or new sports.
