IELTS Task 2 model essay: Children today spend too much time on smartphones

The question

Children today spend too much time on smartphones. What problems does this cause, and how can they be solved?

Essay type: Problem and solution. Write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

The plan (5 minutes)

• Paragraph 1: In many households, it is now common to see young children absorbed in a smartphone for hours at a time.
• Paragraph 2: The most obvious problem is the effect on children's health.
• Paragraph 3: Several measures could reduce these problems.
• Paragraph 4: In conclusion, excessive smartphone use can damage children's health, social skills and safety.

Model essay (280 words)

In many households, it is now common to see young children absorbed in a smartphone for hours at a time. This essay will discuss the main problems this causes and suggest some practical solutions.

The most obvious problem is the effect on children's health. Time spent on a screen is usually time spent sitting still, and a lack of physical activity is linked to weight gain and poor fitness. Using phones late at night can also disrupt sleep, because the bright light and constant notifications keep children alert. In addition, heavy smartphone use can harm children's social development. Children who spend most of their free time online have fewer opportunities to play, negotiate and resolve disagreements face to face, which are important skills for later life. Finally, there are risks online, from inappropriate content to cyberbullying, which young children may not be able to handle.

Several measures could reduce these problems. Parents play the most important role. They can set clear limits, such as no phones at meal times or in bedrooms at night, and use the parental controls that most devices already provide. Equally important is setting a good example, because children copy the habits of the adults around them. Schools can also help by teaching children about online safety and the effects of excessive screen time, and by encouraging sport and other activities. Governments, meanwhile, could require app developers to design products that are less addictive for young users.

In conclusion, excessive smartphone use can damage children's health, social skills and safety. However, a combination of parental limits, education at school and responsible design by technology companies can help children enjoy the benefits of technology without its harms.

Why it's a band 7+ answer

• Task Response: every part of the question is answered, with a clear position from the introduction to the conclusion.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 4 paragraphs, each with one main idea, linked naturally (however, moreover, in my view, in conclusion).
• Lexical Resource: precise topic vocabulary and collocations, without forced "big words".
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: a mix of simple and complex sentences, with very few errors.

Your turn

Write your own answer to this question in 40 minutes, then paste it into the free IELTS writing checker for an estimated band on all four criteria. For more practice questions, see the 60 IELTS Task 2 questions.