50% of teenagers feel anxious without their smartphone

Half of teenagers aged 13 to 18 say they feel anxious when they don't have their smartphone with them, suggests an exclusive survey commissioned by BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize.

And three-quarters (74%) said they wouldn't consider trading in their smartphone for a more basic device that only allows phone calls and texts.
A quarter (25%) say they use their phone for more than five hours in a typical day. On a positive note, 75% of teens surveyed reported feeling positive about their future, with only 11% feeling negative about what lies ahead.
The online survey, conducted by Survation, surveyed 2,000* teenagers aged 13 to 18, asking them about a range of different issues affecting teenagers' lives. These topics ranged from social media anxiety, phone use and addiction, to sexual harassment and street safety.

The survey results were discussed live from the Teen24 Summit on BBC Radio 5 Live as part of their collaboration with BBC Bitesize.
Nicky Campbell hosted a two-hour live teen summit from Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium, with an audience of young people from across the North West of England. He asked them for their opinions on smartphones, social media, influencers and other topics that affect teens' lives.
Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Understanding how teenagers feel and think about the world is crucial and this survey provides some fascinating insights. Some of the findings are eye-opening and the research shows that a big conversation is needed about teen issues and cell phone use. We work closely with BBC Bitesize and will discuss all issues at our Teen24 Summit on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Helen Foulkes, Head of Education at the BBC, said: Helen Foulkes, Head of Education at the BBC, said: “BBC Bitesize offers a wide range of content to help young people thrive and survive during their school years and this survey gives us even better insight into the challenges and concerns. and the aspirations of teenagers across the UK. We're excited to be able to help them navigate these things and understand themselves better, with the launch of the Bitesize World of Wellbeing podcast and the My Teenage Brain series. Both are fantastic additions to the incredible help and advice already available on Bitesize Study Support.
To coincide with the Teen24 Summit, BBC Bitesize will release brand new content to support teenagers, including the World of Wellbeing podcast and the My Teenage Brain series. The podcast is co-hosted by Tik Toker Ami Charlize and Dr Radha Modgil from Radio 1 Life Hack and discusses issues such as self-esteem, worry, friendship fallout, self-care and the benefits of being active, with all episodes available to watch in the Study Support section of the Bitesize website and on BBC Sounds.
My Teenage Brain helps young people better understand themselves by unpacking all the chemical and neurological elements that affect the way you think, act and feel when you're a teenager. Social media star India Sascha and clinical psychologist Dr Tara Porter present the content, also available on Bitesize Study Support.

Coverage of BBC Radio 5 Live's Teen24 Summit began at 6am on Wednesday 12 June 2024 on Radio 5 Live and is available on catch-up via BBC Sounds.