A charity has warned that Scotland is “sleepwalking into the digital destruction of childhood” after a survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of children and young people admit to spending too much time online.
Children First issued the alert following a poll conducted by Young Scot, which found that 64% of 1,032 respondents aged 11 to 25 felt they spent too much or far too much time online. More than eight in ten (84%) said being online prevented them from having enough time for other activities they wanted to pursue.
The survey highlighted significant impacts on wellbeing: 46% reported that being online stopped them from having time to relax without a screen, 43% said it interfered with sleep or rest, 36% said it hindered physical activity or outdoor play, and 35% said it reduced time spent with family.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said: “Today, children are more at risk and childhood is under threat in a way that has never been seen before. It is alarming that 84% of children and young people say that being online is stopping them from spending enough time on other activities that are vital to their healthy wellbeing and development.”
She added: “Without more urgent and sustained action across all sectors, Scotland risks sleepwalking into the digital destruction of childhood. Increasingly, digital devices are being placed in children’s hands before they are ready – not just children and teenagers but also babies and toddlers.”
Glasgow argued that a social media ban alone would be insufficient: “So at best, a social media ban can only ever be a small part of the answer – we need to go further and faster if we are to protect Scotland’s children and protect childhood.”
The charity is committing to a public health approach that includes stronger regulation, delayed access to devices, better advice and support for parents and caregivers, and investment in play, creativity, and sport to provide real alternatives to screen time.
Ten-year-old Poppy, whose name has been changed, told the charity: “Having a phone has ruined my time as a child. I still go outside but not as much. Whenever I ask friends to do stuff they are either busy or on their phones too much – a friend once had 16 hours on their phone. When you get off your phone you realise there are so many things you can do.”
Children First said it would invest in its helpline for families and strengthen its family and therapy support services to address the crisis.
