9 d. ago ‘I don’t think my brain should have gone through that’: five young people on their experience of smartphones as teens

What do people who got – and one who didn’t get – internet-connected phones in their adolescence actually think about the impact they had on them?Debate and anxiety about teen and preteen access to smartphones and social media is raging. One paper has likened smartphones to a “parasite” on our brains, while another study suggests moderate use of social media does not have a harmful effect on young people. In the US more than 100,000 parents have joined an online pledge to delay giving children smartphones until at least the eighth grade and in Australia a ban on under-16s using social media will come into effect in December. Despite all this, OECD figures released in May show 70% of 10-year-olds and 98% of 15-year-olds have internet-connected smartphones.So is giving teenagers smartphones that big a deal? Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago This Bitter Earth at Soho Theatre review: Billy Porter makes an assured UK directing debut

This tale of an interracial couple in America is a fresh and illuminating take on recent social and political history that’s already being rewritten elsewhere

Politics

1 week ago Victoria and David Beckham put on a brave face with a slew of posts after son Brooklyn's gushing tribute to his father

The couple's eldest son Brooklyn, 26, took to social media on Tuesday to share a gushing happy birthday post for his wife Nicola's billionaire father Nelson.

Politics

1 week ago This Bitter Earth at Soho Theatre review: Billy Porter makes an assured directing debut

This tale of an interracial couple in America is a fresh and illuminating take on recent social and political history that’s already being rewritten elsewhere

Politics

1 week ago Brooklyn Beckham is 'obsessed' with Nicola Peltz and his parents are deeply worried by his infatuation, reveal alarmed friends

Clips have begun circulating online of the couple interacting at red carpet events, with social media users branding Brooklyn an 'obsessive man' due to his apparently bizarre behaviour.

Events

2 w. ago Ryanair 'mocks' couple on social media after airport seat row sparks 'meltdown' and £100 fee

A furious couple say Ryanair ruined the start of their holiday — and the airline's social media post afterwards has only fuelled the fire.

Economics

2 w. ago Writer of Adolescence backs call by mother of murdered trans teen for ban on smartphones in schools

Jack Thorne, writer of Netflix's Adolescence, has backed Esther Ghey's call for a ban on smartphones in schools and social media for under 16's.

Events

2 w. ago 'King of Trolls' faces avalanche of legal claims: Tattle Life creator will be served with raft of lawsuits from 'defamed' social media users, experts say after he was sued by 'harassed' couple

Vegan influencer Sebastian Bond, 43, was exposed after a couple won a £300,000 libel payout over vile claims posted about them on the so-called 'trolls' paradise'.

Events

3 w. ago TikTok influencer and ITV reality star announce engagement after romantic holiday proposal

The couple have over a million followers on social media between them

Technology

3 w. ago Groom's shocking reaction to his 'beautiful bride' at the altar goes viral

Video of the incident has generated millions of views on social media, prompting the couple to respond to all of the attention.

Events

3 w. ago Top Putin ally pushes childless couple social media ban so they have more sex

MP Mikhail Ivanov, 51, has suggested childless couple should be forced into "digital abstinence" - banning them from social media between 11pm and 2am - in the hopes it will help spark their passion for each other

Politics

4 w. ago Teens could be restricted to two hours of social media under new law

The 'app cap' would also ban children from accessing social media during school hours or after 10pm

Politics

4 w. ago LadBaby admit they used to live on £20 a week as they open up about 'tough' past before bagging FIVE number one singles

Roxanne, 41, and Mark, 38, celebrate 10 years of marriage this year after a decade which saw them go from a normal happy couple to some of the most successful social media stars in the country.

Economics