Doctors Warn of Horrific Tech Impact on Children

On 18 January 2026, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) warned that excessive screen time and harmful online content are creating a public‑health emergency for UK children and young people. Front‑line clinicians from 23 medical royal colleges have reported alarming cases across NHS primary, secondary and community settings, noting physical and mental health damage from prolonged device use. The AoMRC plans to compile evidence over the next three months and has sent letters to Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Science Secretary Liz Kendall, as well as to chief medical adviser Sir Chris Whitty and NIMH executive Lucy Chappell. In parallel, government research links screen time to poor speech development in under‑fives, and plans to introduce restrictions, including possible bans for under‑16s—mirroring Australia’s December ban and actions in France, Denmark, Norway and Malaysia. A coalition of 43 child‑protection charities warned that blanket bans could backfire, urging stronger tech‑company accountability and balanced policy.