Half of teen girls avoid sports as they tell of phone addiction

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

A study by the Centre for Social Justice found that an increasing number of 15-year-old girls in England are withdrawing from social and physical activities due to heavy phone use, with two in five rarely leaving their bedrooms outside school. The report emphasizes that expanding and diversifying sports and physical activity options in schools is crucial to improving teens' physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement.

A growing number of teenage girls in England are withdrawing from social and physical activities due to increased phone use, according to a recent study by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). The report highlights a trend of isolation and sedentary behavior among 15-year-olds, with significant implications for their physical and mental well-being.

The CSJ found that approximately two in five 15-year-old girls reported rarely leaving their bedrooms except to attend school. Additionally, one in five girls said they do not spend any evenings out with friends during a typical week. Across both genders, the number of teenagers spending most of their time confined to their rooms has risen by 50 percent since 2002, now exceeding 250,000 individuals in England.

A Year 8 student interviewed for the research described how acquiring a new phone led her to withdraw from shared spaces and become less active, noting increased irritability and reduced energy levels. This reliance on phones and screens has contributed to a shift away from sports and outdoor hobbies, with half of girls reporting that they avoid school sports due to concerns about their abilities. This compares to 38 percent of boys expressing similar worries.

The CSJ’s report, titled "Inactive Nation: Getting England’s Teenagers Moving," underscores the negative effects of this lifestyle on both physical health and mental resilience. Tabby Fitzgerald, Senior Researcher at the CSJ, emphasized that the issue extends beyond limiting social media use, advocating instead for providing more attractive alternatives that encourage physical activity and social interaction.

Fitzgerald stated that while many teenage girls are retreating indoors and increasingly engaged with screens, fostering participation in sports and physical activities can support health, build resilience, and help form friendships. However, the report also found that one in five girls feel their school does not offer any physical activities they enjoy, and nearly 70 percent indicated they would be more active if a broader range of sports were available.

The findings draw attention to the need for schools and communities to address barriers to participation in physical activities and to create more inclusive and appealing opportunities to counterbalance the growing trend of screen dependence among teenagers.

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