Digital Wellbeing – Helping Young People Thrive Online

Screens are part of life – but unmanaged, they bring risks: sleep loss, social pressure, exposure to harmful content, even vaping promotion.

Quick facts

• 91% of 12–15s own a phone.

• 7% of 11–17s are regular vapers, with social media a major driver.

• Up to 40% of teens use their phone in bed most nights.

How schools can help

• Set clear phone policies, framed positively.

• Teach digital literacy – from algorithms to body image pressures.

• Link digital wellbeing to whole-school mental health strategies.

How parents can help

• Model balance – kids copy adults’ screen habits.

• Agree boundaries – no devices in bedrooms at night.

• Talk, don’t just monitor – create space for children to share online worries.

Takeaway

Digital wellbeing is about balance and agency. With the right mix of guidance, role-modelling, and open conversation, we can help young people enjoy the benefits of technology without being consumed by it.