Blog
New longitudinal study links problematic social media use with rising ADHD symptoms in adolescent boys
A new study by Dr Jason Nagata and colleagues, published in JAMA Network Open, adds to growing evidence that healthcare professionals should look beyond screen time alone and pay closer attention to patterns of problematic social media use. As conversations around children's digital health continue to evolve, one of the most important questions remains whether social media…
View Article
New report highlights the growing health risks of the online “looksmaxxing” phenomenon
Health Professionals for Safer Screens (HPFSS) welcomes the publication of "Don't Blame Life. Blame Your Face", the UK's first national study into the growing looksmaxxing phenomenon, published by the Centre for Young Lives and funded by the National Education Union as part of its wider Big Tech's Little Victims campaign.
View Article
When the Digital World Reshapes Human Connection
For years, falling birth rates have largely been discussed through the lens of economics. Housing costs. Financial insecurity. Childcare pressures. Longer working hours. Delayed adulthood. A major new article published by the Financial Times suggests something deeper may also be happening and it is raising profound questions about the role of smartphones, social media and…
View Article
Supporting Primary School Children with SEN in a Digital World
Screens can sometimes help SEN children feel calm or regulated, but experts warn that excessive screen use may also impact sleep, communication and emotional development.
View Article
Smartphones in Schools: Educational Psychologist Dr Emily Barrett’s Speech to a Parliamentary Roundtable – Wednesday 11 March 2026
Educational psychologist Dr Emily Barrett explains why smartphones in schools affect cognitive development and emotional resilience in a speech to Parliament.
View Article
Reclaiming Childhood in the Digital Age: Why a Public Health Approach to Social Media Matters
A new report from the Centre for Young Lives has issued a clear warning to policymakers: the debate about protecting children online risks becoming stuck in the wrong argument. With MPs considering whether access to harmful social media platforms should be restricted to over 16s, the report argues that the national conversation has been framed…
View Article
School readiness is slipping, and teachers say screens are the biggest factor
The latest Kindred Squared School Readiness Report presents a sobering picture of children starting Reception in September 2025, with teachers reporting that 37% are not developmentally ready. Many are struggling with basic language, emotional regulation, independence and everyday life skills.
View Article
Grok – An overview
HPFSS member Natasha Puttick Ba (Oxon) and a 3rd year MBBS student at Bart’s and the London looks at what happened with Grok AI
View Article
Australia’s social media ban: The key facts and results so far:
Australia’s social media ban: The key facts and results so far: HPFSS member Natasha Puttick Ba (Oxon) and a 3rd year MBBS student at Bart’s and the London looks at Australia's social media ban
View Article