An exclusive survey commissioned by BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize found that half of 13 to 18-year-olds said they felt anxious without their smartphones.
And three-quarters (74%) said they would not consider replacing their smartphone with a more basic device that only allows phone calls and text messages.
A quarter (25%) said they use their phones more than five hours a day.
On the positive side, 75% of teens questioned said they were positive about their future, while only 11% were negative about lying in the future.
An online poll conducted by Survation asked 2,000 13-18 year olds* about a variety of issues affecting teenage lives. These topics ranged from anxiety and social media, phone use and addiction, to sexual harassment and street safety.
The poll results will be discussed live at the Teen24 Summit on BBC Radio 5 Live as part of a partnership with BBC Bitesize.
Rachel Burden from the BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast show kicked off at 6am today with a special program focusing on teenagers and their mobiles, asking what their lives would be like without smartphones. Rachel will join 10 young people who have taken part in 5 Live’s smartphone ‘detox’ to see if she can survive without her phone for a week. Teens will reveal how they feel about their phones after detox with Rachel.
From 9am, Nicky Campbell will host a two-hour Teen Summit live from the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington, attended by young people from across the North West of England. He will ask for opinions on smartphones, social media, influencers and other topics that impact teenage lives.
Heidi Dawson, Manager of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Understanding how teens feel and think about the world is important and this survey provides interesting insights. Some of the findings are surprising and show we need to have a big conversation about teen issues and cell phone use. We are working closely with BBC Bitesize and will discuss all issues at the Teen24 Summit on BBC Radio 5 Live.”
BBC Education Director Helen Foulkes said: BBC Education Director Helen Foulkes said: “BBC Bitesize provides a wide range of content to help young people grow and survive the school years and this survey gives us better insight into their issues and concerns. The aspirations of teenagers across the UK. With the launch of the Bitesize World of Wellbeing podcast and My Teenage Brain series, we’re excited to help them navigate these issues and better understand themselves. Both are fantastic additions to the incredible help and advice already available from Bitesize Study Support.”
To coincide with the Teen24 Summit, BBC Bitesize will be launching several new content to support young people, including the World of Wellbeing podcast and the My Teenage Brain series. The podcast is co-hosted by Tik Toker Ami Charlize and Radio 1 Life Hack’s Dr Radha Modgil and explores issues such as self-esteem, anxiety, loss of friendships, self-care and the benefits of activity. Watch it in the Learning Support section of the Bitesize website and on BBC Sounds.
My Teen Brain uncovers all the chemical and neurological factors that influence teenage thoughts, behavior, and emotions, helping young people better understand themselves. Social media star India Sascha and clinical psychologist Dr. Tara Porter present the content, also available on Bitesize Study Support.
BBC Radio 5 Live’s Teen24 Summit coverage begins at 6am on Wednesday 12 June 2024 on Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
