Students are on track to lose 25 years to their phones

Our national study, as featured in The Times, reveals how excess and uneducated smartphone use is reshaping student focus, wellbeing, and performance.

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Research Headlines

As shared by the generation who grew up with smartphones.

5.5 hrs/day

5.5 hrs

At 5.5 hours per day, the average student will scroll for 25 waking years if their habits remain.

Avg. daily phone screen time. That's 25 waking years if their habits remain.

76%

Said they consider their phone use to be unhealthy.

70%

Believe their current usage harms their academic performance.

About our research

Students are often at the centre of debates about smartphones, but are rarely given the mic.

With the support of 18 forward-thinking schools, colleges, and universities, we surveyed over 2,800 students to understand how smartphones are truly shaping their daily lives.

Students are often at the center of debates about smartphones, but are rarely given the mic.

With the support of 18 forward-thinking schools, colleges, and universities, we surveyed over 2,800 students to understand how smartphones are truly shaping their daily lives.

Research scope — at a glance

2,842 students surveyed
From secondary schools, FE colleges, and universities
Conducted Jan — May 2025
Led by Fluid Focus and Dr. Paul Redmond (University of Liverpool), renowned generational theorist
Topics: screen time, study, social media, and broader wellbeing
Full written report, supported by a live Power BI analytics dashboard putting the full power of our research into your hands (Access via page 14 in the report.)

Get the full findings, charts, and quotes from students themselves.

2,842 students surveyed
From secondary schools, FE colleges, and universities
Conducted Jan — May 2025
Led by Fluid Focus and Dr. Paul Redmond (University of Liverpool), renowned generational theorist
Topics: screen time, study, social media, and broader wellbeing
Full written report, supported by a live Power BI analytics dashboard putting the full power of our research into your hands (Access via page 14 in the report.)

Get the full findings, charts, and quotes from students themselves.

Download Report

fluid focus