The first feature is Anita Rani interviewing Daisy Greenwell from a campaign group called Smartphone Free Childhood. Daisy believes that parents need more guidance from the NHS, Government & schools as most don't even know about the minimum age restrictions that apply.
She went on to say that there is mounting evidence that children are spending more and more time online . 8 to 10 year olds are spending 6 hours a day on their phones, with 11 to 14 year olds spending 9 hours! The effect is that this is making them more lonely, depressed & anxious.
In the last 3 years the likelihood of a child having mental health issues has increase by 50% in the last 3 years. Eating disorders amongst children have doubled in the last 6 years and the amount of under 18's taking antidepressant medication has increased by 44%..
It is acknowledged that all this isn't down to the use of smartphones alone, but the Children's Commissioner has said that there is a link between their use and eating disorders. It is thought that there was an increase in screentime due to lockdown.
Ofcom research has found that nearly a quarter of 5-7 year olds now have their own smartphone and 40& of them are using WhatsApp, despite the minimum age being set at 13. They also noted that parental controls appear to be diminishing, so websites must do more to protect children.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001xfv9