The easy access to the internet today has increasingly attracted children and teenagers. However, this new reality has altered the meaning of childhood. What were once simple games have now become performances, where innocence is replaced by exposure and emotional vulnerability is commercialised in exchange for likes. Meanwhile, many parents passively watch this shift, often unaware that a few clicks can expose their children to content that accelerates early adultification and potentially causes long-term harm.
Studies confirm that these risks are not just theoretical. Research published in 2024 links frequent social media use to lower self-esteem, depressive symptoms and anxiety among young people. The World Health Organization reports that 11% of adolescents exhibit problematic social media behaviour, struggling to control their usage, neglecting other activities and experiencing negative consequences in their daily lives.
Many parents lose sight of what is happening in their children’s bedrooms, where screens can become gateways to dangerous content. The risks include cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate material and participation in hazardous online trends. Recently, for example, a 12-year-old boy in Castleford, West Yorkshire, tragically lost his life after attempting the dangerous “blackout challenge.” According to West Yorkshire Police, “officers attended the location and the boy was taken to hospital where it was later confirmed that he had died.”
Beyond these dangers, excessive screen time also displaces free play, contact with nature and real social interactions, which negatively affect physical and mental well-being, while also weakening core values. To reverse this trend, parents should remain vigilant regarding their children’s online habits, establish safe family routines and, above all, be present in their lives.
At the Universal Church, we have in selected branches a special space dedicated to children called the CBC (Children Biblical Centre). While parents participate in the main services, their children can stay in a safe environment where DBS-checked volunteers care for them and provide fun and constructive offline activities inspired by the Word of God.
Additionally, we offer groups for young adolescents (Universal Teen Force) and for young adults (Victory Youth Group), aimed at emphasising the importance of these life stages for emotional and spiritual growth, developing talents and building solid foundations for the future.
Through enjoyable and meaningful activities and events, young people discover a safe place to grow, connect with peers and, most importantly, with God. If you would like to know more about these groups and services, please reach out to our 24-hour Helpline or your nearest Universal Church.
24-hour Helpline: 020 7686 6000
WhatsApp: 020 7686 6010
Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11641642/
https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens–screens-and-mental-health
https://news.sky.com/story/boy-12-dies-in-social-media-challenge-as-family-condemns-dangerous-online-world-13390476
