logo
Peril in the palm: the concerning impact and digital danger of smartphones on children

Peril in the palm: the concerning impact and digital danger of smartphones on children

ITV News22-05-2025
After weeks of planning with Beaulieu School we launched an experiment taking phones away from unknowing pupils for a fortnight.
In the weeks running up to the day, we asked for permission from parents without the children's knowledge. Out of 90 girls in the year group, only 11 of their parents agreed.
When the girls entered the room with their phones, they had no idea they would be leaving without them.
That being said - all of them agreed to take part with one of them saying "I know I'm addicted - I know I am. It's just no one has ever tried to stop me."
Before saying their goodbyes, I wanted to know how much time they spend scrolling and messaging on each day.
The highest average daily screen time was five hours and 58 minutes - or a quarter of her day. For context, that is higher than my own screen time as a journalist using a phone for work.
Another student went on to tell me that she had once spent 23 hours in a week solely on TikTok.
GP and author Dr Susanna Davies says phones are "designed to be addictive" and wants both parents and governments to better protect children's well-being.
I asked them if they had come across any harmful content while scrolling online, and their answers ranged from content and comments about suicide to sexually inappropriate material - and a reminder that these students are just 13 and 14 years old.
Research by the Children's Commissioner for England says almost three-quarters of teenagers between 13 and 17 have encountered one or more potential harms online.
Meanwhile the average age at which children first see pornography is just 13 years old.
Although parents can manage settings on some devices to help protect their children's well-being, there are growing calls for governments to introduce laws to restrict the amount of harmful content that is often readily available for children and young people to access online.
The UK's Online Safety Act will come into force in July, but Jersey currently has no similar legislation after opting to build its own laws independently.
The UK Act involves a series of rules aiming to protect children from content relating to topics including suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and pornography.
Beaulieu teacher Mr Harris hopes the ITV News experiment can help highlight how difficult it is to control what children can access online.
He told ITV News: "I've got an 11-year-old at home, who will be starting secondary school in September, and he's just got his phone.
"We're very strict at home, so we monitor his apps, but I'm sure there are lots of parents with the best will in the world who will not be able to monitor and police that."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MoD admits British Army weapons systems are causing brain damage in soldiers
MoD admits British Army weapons systems are causing brain damage in soldiers

ITV News

time9 hours ago

  • ITV News

MoD admits British Army weapons systems are causing brain damage in soldiers

Words by ITV News Assistant Producer Robbie Boyd Thousands of serving troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blast waves from the British Army's weaponry, an ITV News investigation has revealed. In a landmark admission, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that weapons systems used by the army are causing brain damage in soldiers. Speaking to ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain and lead to life‑long health conditions. Lt Col James Mitchell said during earlier campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the perception was that large munitions and impact blasts were the primary cause of TBI and concussion among British soldiers. However, that is no longer the case, with TBI and concussion being blamed on the impact on soldiers from their own weapons systems. "Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts," he explained. He said these low level blast were predominantly being caused by "the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems". Lt Col Mitchell added that while exact figures are not known, 'thousands' of serving personnel have been exposed to harmful blasts, with figures potentially even higher for veterans affected. Most at risk are those who have been repeatedly exposed to heavy weapons, including mortars, some shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. It can create a force so strong that it penetrates the skull, and the energy transferred to the brain causes microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure can overwhelm the brain's ability to heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They may include: severe headaches, visual disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. Now, scientists around the UK are hoping to explore the potential causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill is a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham. She explained that when the brain is damaged, it releases biomarkers, biological clues that can help scientists understand what and where the damage is happening. 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' But policy changes might need to be made in order to reduce or prevent injuries in the first place. Professor Karen Mullinger, an expert in neuro-imaging at Nottingham University, is working to identify patterns of damage with sophisticated brain scanning technology called OPM MEG. Hugh Keir, a sniper with the Parachute Regiment who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. To be certain, Prof Mullinger and her team need to scan many more veterans and controls to build up a database of what "normal" looks like. In time, it is hoped there will be enough data to allow for definitive diagnoses. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises.

I lost 5 stone on fat jabs & now look unrecognisable – I get hate & called an ‘Ozempic cheat' but they're just jealous
I lost 5 stone on fat jabs & now look unrecognisable – I get hate & called an ‘Ozempic cheat' but they're just jealous

Scottish Sun

time14 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

I lost 5 stone on fat jabs & now look unrecognisable – I get hate & called an ‘Ozempic cheat' but they're just jealous

Find out everything you need to know about fat jabs NO WEIGH! I lost 5 stone on fat jabs & now look unrecognisable – I get hate & called an 'Ozempic cheat' but they're just jealous Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN who lost a staggering five stone thanks to weight-loss jabs has hit back at trolls who brand her an "Ozempic cheat". TikTok user Liv, who shares her journey under the handle @loseitwithliv, has amassed millions of views for her honest updates on her GLP-1 transformation. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A woman lost 5 stone on fat jabs & now look unrecognisable Credit: 2 Haters have slammed her for using fat jabs Credit: Her latest before-and-after clip has left fans stunned. The 11-million-view video shows the full extent of her progress, with Liv confidently showing off her new figure after dropping over 70 pounds. But while her followers are quick to flood her comments with praise, not everyone is cheering her on. Despite her hard work, Liv has faced cruel backlash from trolls who accuse her of 'cheating' her way thin with weight-loss injections. Some have even mockingly dubbed her the 'Ozempic final boss' but she's not letting the haters get to her. Instead, Liv is proudly owning her journey and refuses to let others dictate how she should feel about her body or her methods. She's become a strong advocate for weight-loss jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, urging others not to feel ashamed of taking control of their health in whatever way works for them. In fact, Liv admits that if she could change one thing about her transformation, it wouldn't be the jabs, it would be telling people about them. She's been brutally honest about the intense judgement she's faced since sharing her use of GLP-1 medication, saying she sometimes wishes she'd just said she lost the weight through a calorie deficit and called it a day. Liv built her platform on transparency, sharing every high and low along the way, but now feels that some of the hate she's received could have been avoided if she'd kept her lips sealed. I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care Still, she's not letting that stop her. Her message is clear – your body, your business. She's continuing to post her progress and empower other women to take control of their own health, regardless of how others feel about it. For Liv, the results speak for themselves and she's never felt more confident. Fans regularly flood her comments with support, saying they're inspired by her bravery and honesty, with many thanking her for encouraging them to look into the treatment themselves. And as far as Liv's concerned, the critics can say what they like, she's happy, healthy, and looking better than ever. She's far from the only one facing backlash for using weight-loss jabs. Actor and dad George Keywood also hit back at trolls who called him a 'lazy cheat' after he lost six stone in 11 months with Mounjaro. The People Just Do Nothing star, once 23st, says he's faced relentless online abuse, from people mocking his marriage to making vile comments about his sex life even after turning his health around. George says he was close to developing diabetes before starting the jabs, but now he's down 40kg, barely feels hungry, and has totally overhauled his lifestyle. His wife Sienna says the change has been 'huge', with George now able to go on full days out with their son. Despite the online hate, George says he's not trying to impress anyone, he's doing it to stay alive and be there for his family.

I lost 5 stone on fat jabs & now look unrecognisable – I get hate & called an ‘Ozempic cheat' but they're just jealous
I lost 5 stone on fat jabs & now look unrecognisable – I get hate & called an ‘Ozempic cheat' but they're just jealous

The Sun

time14 hours ago

  • The Sun

I lost 5 stone on fat jabs & now look unrecognisable – I get hate & called an ‘Ozempic cheat' but they're just jealous

A WOMAN who lost a staggering five stone thanks to weight-loss jabs has hit back at trolls who brand her an "Ozempic cheat". TikTok user Liv, who shares her journey under the handle @loseitwithliv, has amassed millions of views for her honest updates on her GLP-1 transformation. 2 2 Her latest before-and-after clip has left fans stunned. The 11-million-view video shows the full extent of her progress, with Liv confidently showing off her new figure after dropping over 70 pounds. But while her followers are quick to flood her comments with praise, not everyone is cheering her on. Despite her hard work, Liv has faced cruel backlash from trolls who accuse her of 'cheating' her way thin with weight-loss injections. Some have even mockingly dubbed her the 'Ozempic final boss' but she's not letting the haters get to her. Instead, Liv is proudly owning her journey and refuses to let others dictate how she should feel about her body or her methods. She's become a strong advocate for weight-loss jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, urging others not to feel ashamed of taking control of their health in whatever way works for them. In fact, Liv admits that if she could change one thing about her transformation, it wouldn't be the jabs, it would be telling people about them. She's been brutally honest about the intense judgement she's faced since sharing her use of GLP-1 medication, saying she sometimes wishes she'd just said she lost the weight through a calorie deficit and called it a day. Liv built her platform on transparency, sharing every high and low along the way, but now feels that some of the hate she's received could have been avoided if she'd kept her lips sealed. I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care Still, she's not letting that stop her. Her message is clear – your body, your business. She's continuing to post her progress and empower other women to take control of their own health, regardless of how others feel about it. For Liv, the results speak for themselves and she's never felt more confident. Fans regularly flood her comments with support, saying they're inspired by her bravery and honesty, with many thanking her for encouraging them to look into the treatment themselves. And as far as Liv's concerned, the critics can say what they like, she's happy, healthy, and looking better than ever. She's far from the only one facing backlash for using weight-loss jabs. Actor and dad George Keywood also hit back at trolls who called him a 'lazy cheat' after he l ost six stone in 11 months with Mounjaro. The People Just Do Nothing star, once 23st, says he's faced relentless online abuse, from people mocking his marriage to making vile comments about his sex life even after turning his health around. George says he was close to developing diabetes before starting the jabs, but now he's down 40kg, barely feels hungry, and has totally overhauled his lifestyle. His wife Sienna says the change has been 'huge', with George now able to go on full days out with their son. Despite the online hate, George says he's not trying to impress anyone, he's doing it to stay alive and be there for his family. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store