Smartphones, social media, and constant connection - for young people today, being online isn’t just part of life, it is life. But as screen time rises, so too do concerns about its impact on mental health, attention, sleep, and even how young brains develop.  

New research suggests many children are spending hours a day on devices - often late into the night - while more and more young people say they feel overwhelmed, distracted, or even addicted to their phones. At the same time, there’s growing debate about whether social media should be restricted altogether for under 16s.  

Valerie is joined by psychotherapist and lecturer Dr Colman Noctor.