Adolescence, Smartphones, and the Minds of Young People: The Urgent Need for Change

The new Netflix series Adolescence has sparked widespread conversation, not only for its compelling storytelling but also for its unsettling portrayal of the impact smartphones are having on young people. The series paints a disturbing picture of how these devices are affecting mental health, and social dynamics, and even leading some adolescents down harmful paths. At Turnstyle, this conversation resonates deeply with our mission to give young people a platform to discuss their challenges and rewrite their futures.

The Dangers of Smartphones: Poison for Young Minds

In Adolescence, the narrative delves into the troubling influence of smartphones, particularly how they expose young people to harmful online content. From toxic influencers to dangerous social media algorithms, these digital spaces can promote aggression, misogyny, and other destructive behaviours. This aligns with a growing body of research that highlights the detrimental effects smartphones can have on young people’s mental health.

As discussed in recent articles, including one from The Guardian, smartphones are increasingly being recognised as “poison for boys’ minds,” fuelling anxiety, isolation, and even encouraging radicalised ideologies. The rise of online echo chambers has amplified destructive narratives, which impressionable young people are often drawn into, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and harm. This is particularly concerning at a time when mental health issues are already on the rise.

Turnstyle’s Mission: Listening and Empowering Young People

At Turnstyle, we witness these effects first-hand. The young people we work with often share stories of how their smartphones have worsened feelings of anxiety, depression, and social disconnection. Many of them are navigating an overwhelming digital landscape without the tools or guidance to handle these pressures in healthy ways.

Our aim is to create spaces where young people can express themselves, openly discuss the challenges they face, and find positive ways to cope. We seek to empower them, equipping them with the tools to rewrite their paths and break free from the toxic environments they encounter online. By fostering dialogue and providing alternative outlets—whether through sports, mentorship, or creative expression—Turnstyle helps young people regain control of their lives.

The Urgent Need for Change: A Call to Action

Adolescence has sparked a crucial conversation about the urgent need to limit smartphone access for younger age groups. Jack Thorne, the series’ co-writer, has publicly called for a ban on smartphones for children under the age of 16, comparing their impact to that of cigarettes in previous generations. He argues that just as we regulate other harmful substances, we must take similar precautions with smartphones.

At Turnstyle, we fully support this conversation. However, we also believe it’s not just about restricting access—it’s about providing young people with healthier alternatives and helping them develop the skills they need to navigate the digital world responsibly. We work closely with schools, parents, and community organisations to create environments where young people can thrive without becoming overly dependent on technology.

Providing Young People with a New Path Forward

The messages in Adolescence are a stark reminder of what’s at stake when it comes to the mental health and well-being of young people. At Turnstyle, we are committed to helping adolescents build resilience, find their voice, and create positive futures for themselves, free from the damaging influences they often encounter online.

By offering programmes that combine physical activity, mentorship, and emotional support, we provide young people with opportunities to grow in ways that promote mental health, self-confidence, and real-world connections. Together, we can help them navigate the complexities of adolescence in a healthy, balanced way.

If we want to ensure the next generation has the tools they need to succeed, we must listen to their concerns, provide them with safe spaces to express themselves and offer the support they need to face the challenges of growing up in the digital age.