Children’s Mental Health Week: Seven signs your child is spending too much time online, from a leading addiction expert

• Addiction is not about how much time a child spends online, but about loss of control, according to leading addiction expert 
• Compulsive screen use which impacts sleep, school, relationships and wellbeing, says Priory consultant psychiatrist
• Impact of too much screen and social media use ranges from anxiety to problems with real world communication
• Child Mental Health Week runs from 9 – 15 February 2026

“Social media and screen addiction is not always about how much time a child spends online, but about loss of control,” according to a leading addiction expert.

To mark Child Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 February), Priory - who provide both addiction treatment for adults and mental health services for young people across the UK – have shared seven screen addiction warning signs parents should watch out for.

The advice comes from Dr David McLaughlan, a Priory consultant psychiatrist and one of the UK’s foremost experts in curbing addictive behaviours.

Dr McLaughlan said: “When social media and screen use become compulsive, hard to stop, and start to crowd out sleep, schoolwork, relationships or wellbeing, then we’d classify that as a harmful addictive behaviour.”

“We live in a world where phone and screen use is very hard to avoid, so this is a problem that affects all of us, adults and children alike,” said Dr McLaughlan: “Children are particularly vulnerable because their impulse control and emotional regulation systems are still developing. Addressing harmful behaviours as a family, correcting habits before they become embedded, could be the single most important step many of us could take.

“The consequences of digital addictions are visible in mental health services. Mentally, we see higher rates of anxiety, low mood, poor self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. Physically, sleep deprivation, headaches, eye strain and sedentary behaviour are common. Socially, children may struggle with real-world communication, confidence, and forming secure relationships.” 

Signs of social media and screen addiction:

1. Loss of control
“If a child repeatedly tries to cut back but can’t, or becomes distressed when access is limited, that’s a key red flag,” said Dr McLaughlan.

2. Mood changes linked to use
“Irritability, anxiety, or low mood — particularly when offline — often signal that social media and other online activity has become emotionally regulating rather than recreational.”

3. Preoccupation and constant checking
“When social media, gaming and other activities dominate a child’s thoughts, even during lessons, meals, or conversations, it suggests the behaviour is becoming compulsive.”

4. Sleep disruption
“Late-night scrolling, difficulty switching off, or waking to check notifications can quickly undermine both mental health and emotional resilience.”

5. Withdrawal from offline activities
“A loss of interest in hobbies, family time, or face-to-face friendships can indicate that online engagement is replacing real-world connection.”

6. Declining school performance
“Concentration problems, falling grades, or reduced motivation often reflect the cognitive toll of constant digital stimulation.”

7. Continuing despite harm
“When a child keeps using social media despite clear negative consequences, that’s one of the strongest indicators of addiction.”

Dr McLaughlan added: “If you’re worried about your child’s screen time and social media use, start with curiosity, not confrontation. Open conversations, set clear but compassionate boundaries, and model healthy digital habits yourself. If problems persist or escalate, early professional support can make a real difference — the earlier we intervene, the easier it is to reset patterns.”