Isn’t it fascinating how the most unexpected and profound topics can arise over a biscuit and a cuppa during elevenses? One moment it’s “Did you know straight roads were introduced by the Romans (but, what else have they ever done for us!?) and the next we’re swapping stories of causing havoc in our neighbourhoods (I’ll let you guess who these apply to!).  

Popular TV shows sometimes spark these discussions, and when they connect with the challenges our young people are navigating, it’s only natural we lean in with particular interest. Previously, it was the harrowing dramatisation Adolescence (available on Netflix) that captured our attention. The show portrays the tragic story of a teenage boy convicted of murdering his classmate, with a chilling lens on the impact of social media. Rather than a “whodunit”, Adolescence is posed as a “why-done-it”, exposing the pressures, isolation, and confusion that digital life can amplify for teens. 

This week, Alex and I turned our attention to Channel 4’s Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones, a two-part documentary exploring the impact of removing phones from a secondary school for three weeks. The programme charts how students adjusted to this sudden change—many with withdrawal-like symptoms at first, followed by surprising (and rather hopeful) shifts in focus, friendships, and even happiness. The results are a wake-up call and a nudge toward asking: what role should phones really play in our children’s lives? 

Facing the Facts 

Some of the statistics around children’s phone use and access to online content are tragic: 

📉 Access to Explicit Content: 

  • The average age a child first views pornography is 13, with 10% encountering it by age nine. 
  • 27% of children have seen pornography by age 11. 
  • Over half of 11-13-year-olds have watched pornography, often via social media. 
  • Many young viewers say it’s easier to “stumble across” explicit content than to actively seek it. 
  • A growing number of children admit that it affects their view of sex, relationships, and body image. 

📱 Effects of Phones on Children: 

  • 1 in 4 UK children aged 3–4 already own a smartphone. 
  • By age 12, a staggering 97% own a smartphone. 
  • 32% of teenagers would prefer detention over losing their phone for a day. 
  • Excessive screen time is linked to poor sleep, anxiety, and reduced academic performance. 
  • Many children report feeling “almost constantly online”, often at the expense of real-world interaction. 

While this content can be distressing, both Swiped and Adolescence offer important insight for families. (Please note: both shows include sensitive themes, so viewer discretion is advised.)

Watching with Hope 

It’s been so encouraging to hear of several families watching these programmes together with their teenagers. Rather than shying away from tough topics, they’re choosing transparency, creating safe spaces for healthy, grace-filled conversation. This kind of culture—rooted in honesty, empathy, and faith—is what helps our children grow strong and grounded. 

And this is where our faith makes all the difference. We don’t respond to these challenges out of fear, but with the unshakeable hope of the gospel. 

This morning, I was reading Ephesians 5. It begins with a beautiful reminder that we are God’s children—innocent, pure, trusting, and completely dependent on our Father. Verse 8 tells us to “walk as children of the light.” As those that model our faith to children and youth in some capacity, we’re called to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16), to be in the world but not of it (John 17:14–16), and it’s these qualities we’re to encourage our children in as we “train our children in the way they should go so they won’t depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). 

It is my prayer that the closing verses (15–21) of Ephesians 5 describe our homes: places where psalms, hymns, thanksgiving, and praise fill the air, escape out the doors and into our neighbourhoods with the knowledge that all of this is underpinned by this wonderful truth: 

The Lord knows our days (Psalm 139:16), 

His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23), 

And He has prepared good works for us in advance (Ephesians 2:10). 

Phew. We’re not doing this alone. 

⚒ Tools for the Journey

It’s not just about waiting for schools or government policy to catch up. There are powerful tools available for us, right now: 

Prayer and God’s word – We start, proceed and end with this. If we really believe in the power of prayer and the authority of God’s word, we need to ensure we’re not only talking the talk, but walking the walk – not relying on the hour session on a Sunday morning or Friday night to give our children the spiritual edification they need, but pursuing this on the journey to and from school, around the dinner table – to name a few pinch points.  

Care for the Family – A Christian charity supporting families with resources, events, and practical help, including tailored support for single-parent households. (careforthefamily.org.uk) 

Naked Truth Project – Tackles the impact of pornography through awareness, education, and recovery, helping young people and adults alike. (nakedtruthproject.com) 

Kitchen Table Project – Helps parents nurture their children’s faith through everyday moments and meaningful conversations. (kitchentable.org.uk) 

Alpha Parenting Courses – Practical parenting resources for children and teens, helping families build connection and understanding. 

Spurgeons – A charity supporting vulnerable children and families across the UK with counselling, mentoring, and early intervention work. (spurgeons.org) 

Smart Social – A digital safety organisation helping families and schools navigate social media and online risks confidently. (smartsocial.com) 

As we continue loving and leading the children in our community, let’s keep clinging to Jesus, walking in wisdom, and cheering each other on. God’s not surprised by the digital age—and He’s more than equipped us for such a time as this. 

With love 

Will Norris