Teenagers in Canterbury went smartphone-free for a week

A group of teenagers in Canterbury participated in an experiment where they could not use their smartphones for a week. Before starting, they watched a play called Generation FOMO. This play was created by Portrait Theatre and featured stories from teens about their smartphone habits and the dangers of online content. After the play, three boys were interviewed about their feelings regarding the experiment. They expressed optimism, believing that life without smartphones wouldn't be too difficult. However, Lindsey Cameron, a psychologist from the University of Kent, warned that teenagers might underestimate the challenges. She explained that social media is very addictive, especially for young people who often struggle with impulse control. Concerns about smartphone use among teenagers are growing. Statistics show that by age 11, nine in ten children own a phone. Additionally, around one-third of children aged 8 to 17 reported encountering inappropriate content online in the past year. After the week without smartphones, the boys had different experiences. Some found it challenging, especially during the weekend, with one boy missing over 300 WhatsApp notifications. However, most reported feeling less distracted and enjoyed more outdoor activities and quality time with their families. They all reflected on their phone usage. The experiment also prompted self-reflection for others, including the writer, who spends an average of four hours a day on their smartphone. The experience encouraged thoughts about setting limits for safer device use.