For today’s South African teenagers, smartphones are as much a part of daily life at school as their uniform. Recent research by Stellenbosch University shows that 99.2% of high school learners own a smartphone, with average daily use clocking in at more than three hours. Social media platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube dominate their attention, and most take their devices to school every day, primarily to coordinate with parents about changing schedules.

The benefits are real. Smartphones connect children to educational resources, enable quick communication, and can foster creativity through tools like video editing and AI-powered research. However, both local findings and international guidance point to substantial risks when usage is unchecked. These range from disrupted sleep, lower marks, reduced physical activity, and social withdrawal to exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and targeted online advertising.

What should parents do? For younger children (2–5 years), limit non-educational screen time to about an hour on weekdays. For older children, focus on healthy habits and boundaries rather than rigid limits.

For parents, this can start with a few simple steps. Keep family meals phone-free and use that time to talk about each other’s day. Collect all devices at least an hour before bedtime to help your child wind down and get proper rest. When they watch videos or use new apps, sit with them when possible and talk about what they’re seeing, ask questions, share your views, and listen to theirs.

Avoid handing over a phone to calm tantrums, as this can teach your child to rely on screens for emotional regulation. Show them your own healthy habits, put your phone aside when speaking to them, set limits for your own screen time, and make space for offline hobbies. Encourage sports, reading, cooking, art, or time with friends that does not revolve around devices.

Most importantly, stay involved. Ask what apps they use, who they follow, and how they feel about what they see online. If they know you’re interested and supportive, they’re more likely to tell you when they encounter problems. In the right balance, the smartphone can be a tool for learning, creativity, and connection, without taking over their childhood.