This image is taken directly from https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/how-safe-are-our-children The 2020 Report. The full report is an equally alarming read.

I hate putting up posts that are fundamentally deeply depressing because that can often freeze us to the spot, or make us feel the problem is too big to ever tackle, or make us feel frightened to have children in an increasingly toxic world. Not to mention how our children might feel growing up in it?

However, there are now many more eyes and ears on an issue that was up until very recently ignored or hidden, sometimes by powerful institutions. This will in some part, we are unsure how much, contribute to very alarming statistics such as the one featured in this update.

HOWEVER, not for a single second can we be falsely comforted with the fact it has little to do with the internet and devices. It has SO SO much to do with this. We know it. The kids know it. The schools know it.

Why should we wait for a professional body to quantify the negative impact of these devices as a bit, more than a bit, a lot or massive?? Any negative impact at all is surely too much as these children do not need these devices. At present they are receiving almost all their life learning from them. How have we as adults let this happen???

I feel tired when experts tell us as health professionals that these devices are as addictive as alcohol and drugs yet we are still asked to encourage moderation of their use rather than removal. What is next? Alcopops in school break time? Adults prove on a daily basis that they are completely incapable of device moderation. Offices ban them from work spaces. So why are we depriving our children of this reality check?

These devices have zero place in schools. Laptops yes. Of course. Phones nope.

My views are my own. Join me or not. But thank you so so much for reading and listening. Please sign/share my petition if you agree.

Very many thanks

Dr Becky Foljambe