Technology and young people

Effects of technology on cognition in youth

Researchers from King’s College London are conducting a large-scale online research programme to understand how everyday use of digital technology relates to cognitive, emotional, and social development in children and young people. Digital devices are now widely used in daily life, and this study aims to uncover relationships between technology use and development of attention, memory, language skills, wellbeing, and social interactions.

Current evidence in this area is mixed and is often based on small or unrepresentative samples. By working with a large and diverse group of participants, this study aims to generate robust evidence that can inform fair and effective guidance on technology use and support healthy cognitive development in an increasingly digital society.

Who can take part?

Starting in February 2026, children and young people who took part in the REACT study will be invited to take part in the study. The project team aims to include participants from a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences.

It is entirely up to you and your child whether you decide to participate. Choosing not to take part will not affect access to any current or future research opportunities.

What is involved?

1. Complete online assessments

All study activities are completed online using Cognitron (https://www.cognitron.co.uk), a secure research platform.

Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and short tasks that assess memory, attention, thinking skills, wellbeing, education, lifestyle, and technology use. The time required will vary depending on age and the parts of the study you are invited to complete, but it will not take longer than 45minutes per timepoint, and it will be carried out entirely online.

2. Consent and assent

• For children under 16, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent.
• Children and young people are also asked to provide their own assent to take part.
• For children under 15, parents or guardians will complete most of the questionnaires on their child’s behalf.
• Participants aged 15 and over may complete the study independently.

3. Follow-up assessments

Participants will be invited to complete additional online assessments over time at 6-monthly timepoints. These follow-ups help researchers understand how technology use and development change as children grow older.

What feedback will I receive?

Individual medical or clinical diagnoses will not be provided. This study does not make diagnoses, and all questions are asked for research purposes.

Your data will be securely stored and de-identified. De-identified data may be made available to approved researchers studying child and adolescent development, mental health, education, and technology use. All researchers are required to obtain appropriate permissions and approvals before accessing the data.

More information can be found in the participant information sheets: 

TechYP_PIS_v1

TechYP_Parent_PIS_v1

If you have questions or need support, please contact the team at: support+onset@cognitron.co.uk 

If you prefer to get in touch with the REACT study team, please contact us at: react.study@imperial.ac.uk.