SMARTPHONES & LACK OF PHYSICAL MOVEMENT IN YOUTH

By: Thom Rainer

We’ve all seen the scene: a group of teenagers sitting together, each hunched over a phone, thumbs scrolling, eyes glued to glass. They’re technically in the same room, but in truth, they’re each in their own digital world.

This scene has become the norm. And with it has come a silent but serious consequence: movement is disappearing from the lives of our young people.

It wasn’t long ago that kids spent hours outdoors—riding bikes, climbing trees, shooting hoops, and playing hide-and-seek until the streetlights came on. Today, the playground has been replaced by the screen. The ball has been replaced by the scroll.

And the culprit isn’t just “technology” in general—it’s the smartphone in particular.

Designed to Keep Them Sitting

Smartphones are engineered for one thing: engagement. With endless social media feeds, games, videos, and alerts, they’re designed to grab attention and hold it. The goal isn’t productivity—it’s captivity.

For young people, that captivity often comes at the cost of movement. Why go outside and break a sweat when you can stay inside and be entertained without effort?

And unlike watching TV—where parents could at least monitor the hours—smartphones go wherever the child goes. In the car. At school. In bed. On vacation. There’s no natural break in the cycle.

Movement has become optional. Sitting still has become the default.

The Numbers Are Telling

Physical activity among children and teenagers has been in steep decline for years. Studies show that fewer than 1 in 4 American adolescents get the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day.

The decline isn’t just about changing culture—it’s about changing behavior patterns. The more time a child spends on a smartphone, the less time they spend in active play, sports, or even simple movement.

The correlation is clear: as screen time increases, physical activity decreases. And smartphones are leading the charge.

Why It Matters—More Than We Think

When young people stop moving, it’s not just their muscles that suffer—it’s their minds, their emotions, and their development.

Lack of physical activity has been linked to a host of issues, including:

• Obesity and related health problems

• Poor sleep quality

• Increased anxiety and depression

• Decreased academic performance

• Weakened social skills and confidence

Movement is not just physical. It’s therapeutic. It’s developmental. It’s part of how God wired us.

We’re embodied beings. Our bodies aren’t just containers for our minds or souls. They’re instruments of joy, energy, service, and connection. When we neglect our physical health—especially in formative years—it affects every other part of our lives.

The Disappearing Joy of Play

Remember when kids used to invent games on the fly? When creativity and activity went hand in hand? That kind of free play—running, jumping, imagining—is becoming rare.

Smartphones offer dopamine with zero exertion. The games are already created. The fun is always available. No need to run, no need to explore.

But something beautiful is lost in the process. Movement isn’t just exercise—it’s discovery. It’s where friendships form and social skills sharpen. It’s where confidence grows and risks are learned. It’s where kids become more than just observers of life—they become participants.

A Biblical Perspective on Physical Stewardship

Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). While the context of that verse is specific, the principle is broad: we’re called to steward our physical selves for God’s glory.

That includes helping the next generation understand that their bodies are gifts, not burdens. That movement is not just a duty, but a delight. That physical activity is not just for health class, but for life.

Our children need to hear this from the pulpit, from the classroom, and around the dinner table.

And maybe, just maybe, the first step toward renewal in this anxious generation is a literal step—away from the screen and into the world God made for them to explore.