Digital Health Crisis: Experts Call for Urgent New Approach as Young People Face Unknown Risks

A landmark opinion piece published in the British Medical Journal has highlighted a critical gap in how the UK is addressing the health impacts of digital technology on young people. Experts warn that despite growing concerns from policymakers and the media, research into how smartphones, social media and artificial intelligence affect children’s wellbeing remains fragmented and incomplete—leaving a generation growing up in a digital world without proper scientific safeguards.

The warning comes shortly after the UK government published its review into smartphone and social media impacts on children and young people. While widely anticipated as a significant step forward, public health specialists argue the government report represents a missed opportunity that focuses too narrowly on mental health alone, overlooking evidence that digital technology affects a much broader range of health outcomes.

Data from the World Health Organization’s European office reveals the urgency. Between 2018 and 2022, problematic social media use among adolescents nearly doubled, rising from 7% to 11%. The figures are even starker for young girls, with 13% showing signs of problematic use compared to 9% of boys. Additionally, roughly 12% of young people are at risk of problematic gaming, with over a third reporting constant online contact with friends.

These adolescents experiencing problematic social media use report lower mental and social wellbeing, higher substance use, disrupted sleep patterns and later bedtimes—all factors with potential long-term health consequences.

The BMJ authors draw a sobering parallel to how tobacco research developed. For decades, scientists tackled smoking’s health impacts in silos: epidemiologists studied lung cancer, laboratory scientists examined toxicology, and clinicians worked independently. Only when researchers integrated insights from multiple disciplines—eventually aided by disclosure of internal tobacco industry documents—did the full picture of smoking’s devastating health effects emerge.

The same fragmentation is happening with digital technology, the experts warn. Research has been dominated by psychologists focusing almost exclusively on mental health. This narrow lens has allowed policymakers to miss substantial evidence about digital technology’s links to other serious health concerns, including adolescent smoking and vaping, alcohol misuse, drug use, risky sexual behaviour and gambling.

“It would be a serious mistake to base policy on a report that focuses solely on mental health,” the BMJ opinion states, emphasising that interdisciplinary research—combining epidemiology, toxicology, behaviour science and clinical expertise—is essential to understanding the true health impact.

Part of the problem is that current scientific evidence remains genuinely ambiguous. A systematic review of available research found that adolescents spending more time on social media report poorer mental health, but the relationship is complex. The correlation could result from social media harming mental health, from young people with mental health difficulties turning to social media, or from other factors like family circumstances and socioeconomic status that influence both.

Interestingly, research suggests a “goldilocks effect” with digital technology: both very low and excessive use are associated with reduced wellbeing, whilst moderate use appears linked to improved wellbeing. However, high-quality large-scale studies using objective measurements of screen time remain scarce, leaving policymakers working with incomplete evidence.

The BMJ paper calls for a comprehensive public health approach that moves beyond mental health alone. This includes investing in digital literacy education embedded within school environments, teaching critical thinking skills and responsible online behaviour, and enhancing mental health services to address issues arising from problematic digital use.

Importantly, experts emphasise that young people should not be patronised as passive victims. Research indicates that effects of digital technology on wellbeing are comparable for adolescents and adults—though adolescents may face slightly greater vulnerability.

Key Takeaways

• Problematic social media use among adolescents rose nearly twofold between 2018 and 2022, now affecting 11% of young people
• Girls are disproportionately affected, with 13% showing problematic use compared to 9% of boys
• Current UK research and policy focus too narrowly on mental health, missing evidence of links to smoking, vaping, substance misuse, and risky behaviours
• A comprehensive interdisciplinary public health approach, similar to successful tobacco research, is needed to fully understand digital technology’s health impacts
• Moderate digital technology use appears beneficial for wellbeing, whilst both low and excessive use are associated with reduced wellbeing

What This Means for Kent Residents

For families across Kent, these warnings signal the importance of balanced digital engagement rather than avoidance. Young people seeking support with problematic internet use or related mental health concerns can access help through NHS services. Kent and Medway NHS Trust provides child and adolescent mental health services, whilst school-based digital literacy programmes can help young people develop healthier online habits.

Parents and carers worried about a young person’s digital behaviour should speak with their GP or contact their local NHS mental health services. The NHS also provides resources through its Every Mind Matters platform, offering personalised support for digital wellbeing and mental health.