Today, many parents wonder how many hours of phone use is “normal” for their kids. The answer isn’t simple—it depends on their age, the type of device, and, above all, how they use it.
What’s clear is that teenagers are spending more time than ever in front of screens, and the line between healthy and excessive use keeps blurring.
A phone is no longer just a way to communicate; it’s their window to the world—their entertainment, school, and social life. So instead of demonizing it, the key is to understand what kind of screen time is healthy and how to help them use technology consciously.
What Percentage of Teenagers Have a Mobile Phone?
In the UK, almost nine in ten teenagers now own a smartphone, and the age of first ownership keeps dropping—many children receive their first device around age 10 or 11, similar to trends seen across Europe.
In Spain, for instance, over 90% of teens aged 12 to 17 already have their own phone, showing how widespread early access has become.
Having a phone has become a symbol of independence, but also a constant source of notifications, stimuli, and distraction.
The issue isn’t having a phone, but what kind of phone it is. A traditional smartphone—with unrestricted access to social media and games—can expose young users to addictive patterns that are hard to manage.
Looking for a safe phone for teens? Balance Phone has just what you need.
How Much Time Do Teens Actually Spend on Their Phones in 2025?
Across the UK and Ireland, teenagers spend on average between three and six hours a day on their phones, with that number rising on weekends. Most report using screens for more than two hours of leisure time daily—mainly social media, short-form videos, and mobile games.
A 2024 Ofcom study found that British teenagers spend more time on social media than on any other online activity, with similar findings across Europe. In Spain, the average daily use is also around four to six hours, which reflects a broader global pattern.
For most teens, the smartphone has become their main gateway to the internet, and much of their free time happens through that screen. Many also report feeling “digital fatigue” or even anxiety when separated from their phone for too long.
If you’re wondering what’s the right age to give your child their first phone, check out our article on choosing a first mobile phone for teenagers.
How Many Hours Do Experts Recommend for Minors?
Experts in digital wellbeing and child psychology recommend that recreational phone use should not exceed two hours a day for teenagers.
For children under 12, the phone should serve a functional purpose—calls and basic messaging—without access to social networks, video platforms, or addictive games.
The goal isn’t only to reduce screen time, but to foster a balanced and mindful relationship with technology. In that sense, minimalist phones—free from social media and addictive apps—are becoming increasingly popular among UK parents looking for a healthy first phone option.
Consequences of Prolonged Smartphone Use
Excessive phone use among teenagers can lead to several negative effects:
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Difficulty concentrating or staying focused.
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Sleep disruption due to nighttime screen exposure.
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Increased anxiety and social comparison.
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Less time for outdoor activities, reading, or family interaction.
In the UK, recent NHS data shows rising concern over screen-related sleep issues among teenagers, while similar research in Spain found that one in five young people shows signs of problematic phone use. Over time, these habits can impact emotional wellbeing and academic performance.
That’s why more and more families are turning to devices designed for prevention, not surveillance.
Tips to Help Teens Reduce Excessive Phone Use
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Delay giving them their first smartphone—start with a basic or minimalist phone instead.
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Lead by example: children often mirror their parents’ digital habits.
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Create screen-free zones, such as during meals or before bedtime.
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Choose technology that helps, not monitors—a phone without social media or games reduces conflict and protects focus.
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Talk openly about it: not as a punishment, but as a path to trust and awareness.
At The Balance Phone, we believe digital education starts at home, not on a screen. A phone can be a valuable tool—if it’s designed to protect, not to trap.
References
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Should young kids have smartphones? These parents in Europe weigh in. The Independent.
👉 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ap-spain-adolescence-ofcom-barcelona-b2566392.html
