In an era marked by technological advances, young people’s interaction with screens is a growing concern and a source of worry. This article assesses the impact of digital devices on adolescents and highlights the crucial role of parents in promoting healthy development and a strong social fabric.
What is the impact of screens on adolescents?
Screens and physical health
Recent studies reveal that when children spend more time in front of screens, this can lead to sleep disturbances, decreased academic performance, and reduced participation in sports activities. An exploratory study highlighted that there is no significant correlation between screen time and physical activity among school-age children, but found important links with activity preferences and participation Nguyen, Brown, & Yu, 2023 REF [^1^].
Digital devices and interpersonal relationships
Screen use is associated with unhealthy behaviors and undesirable psychological states among young Chinese people, affecting their quality of life Yan et al., 2017 REF [^2^]. This situation underscores the urgency of adopting family mediation strategies to mitigate the negative effects of digital media consumption on interpersonal relationships.
School performance affected by screen use
Internet gaming addiction, influenced by parenting style and self-control, shows a strong negative correlation with academic performance among middle school students Shimil & Srivastava, 2022 REF [^3^]. It becomes imperative to raise parents’ awareness of the importance of supervising the use of these devices to prevent repercussions on young people’s educational paths.
Recommendations to limit screen use among adolescents
Within households, it is essential to regulate the use of digital tools to preserve young people’s physical and psychological well-being. Establishing clear and consistent limits can help balance screen time and offline activities. The virtual should not take precedence over the real world.
How can parents rethink their role regarding screens for school-age children?
Off-screen leisure activities to promote with family members to restore broken ties
Encouraging activities that do not require screens can help strengthen family bonds and develop social skills. These shared moments offer a valuable alternative to children’s passive consumption of digital media, especially when they spend the majority of their free time watching television.
How to promote communication between parents and adolescents?
Open and honest communication between parents and children is fundamental to establishing screen-use rules that are appropriate and respected. This creates a space for dialogue where concerns and expectations can be freely expressed.
How to regulate screen use within the family?
Implementing screen-free times and device-free areas in the home can help move toward a healthier family environment. Collective activities like board games or outings in nature also help diversify family leisure. All these tips contribute to gaining perspective relative to three-dimensional reality.
Recommendations to encourage beneficial online activities
The choice of digital content and activities is fundamental to avoiding negative consequences. Indeed, there are different formats that promote learning and the development of skills. This is a positive strategy that allows screen time to be transformed into an enriching and educational experience.
Link between parental well-being and children’s well-being
The place of well-being in the parent-child relationship
Fulfilled parents play a determining role in their children’s overall development. Their well-being directly influences the household atmosphere. This fosters an environment conducive to young people’s harmonious development.
Fulfilled parents promote young children’s emotional development
A positive family climate, where parents model thoughtful use of digital media, encourages children’s emotional and social development. This includes establishing family routines that prioritize human interactions and quality time spent together.
Parents’ role in the socialization of children and adolescents
Parents have a fundamental role in teaching social and emotional skills. Indeed, these skills are crucial in the socialization of children and adolescents. They must ensure a balance between screen use and leisure activities that promote the development of these essential skills.
Can screens contribute to children’s well-being and the acquisition of social skills?
Screens in social relationships
It can be relevant to use digital devices judiciously. They can then enrich social relationships and promote collaborative learning. They offer unique opportunities for young people to explore new horizons and cultivate shared interests with their peers.
Do digital media promote communication?
When these tools are properly supervised, they can support the development of social skills and communication. Online platforms become spaces where young people can express themselves and exchange. Their sense of belonging to a community is thus strengthened.
What types of digital activities and content favor social interactions?
Well-supervised cooperative online games and social networks can strengthen social bonds and support the development of social skills. These activities encourage collaboration, group problem-solving, and the sharing of experiences.
Encouraging participation in online communities for positive experiences
Participation in carefully selected online communities can offer enriching and positive experiences. It encourages children to share their knowledge and allows young people to feel connected to groups that share the same interests. At the same time, they build their social network in a healthy way.
Playing cooperative online games to create a bond around screens
Cooperative online games can be an effective way to strengthen social bonds among young people. They encourage teamwork and communication, which are key skills for social development. Martin Vidberg, a consultant for the International Festival of Games, noted that since 2021, "We have indeed observed an effect on family games but also on cooperative and narrative games [accessible in terms of rules and easy to set up], which are the big trend at the moment."
Social networks to strengthen existing ties
Social networks, used responsibly, can help maintain and strengthen existing ties among adolescents. They provide a platform to share life moments, interests, and mutual support. This contributes to reinforcing interpersonal relationships.
In conclusion
Active parental involvement in managing their children’s screen use is crucial for their development and the maintenance of a strong social fabric. With the adoption of thoughtful strategies and encouragement of healthy digital media use, adults can play a key role in promoting their children’s well-being.
Disclaimer
This article is based on research and scientific studies. It aims to inform and educate and should not replace professional advice.
References
REF [^1^]. Nguyen, J. T., Brown, T., & Yu, M.-l. (2023). The relationship between typically developing school-age children’s screen time, participation and physical activity: An exploratory study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/03080226231190523
REF [^2^]. Yan, H., Zhang, R., Oniffrey, T. M., Chen, G., Wang, Y., Wu, Y., Zhang, X., Wang, Q., Ma, L., Li, R., & Moore, J. (2017). Associations among Screen Time and Unhealthy Behaviors, Academic Performance, and Well-Being in Chinese Adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060596
REF [^3^]. Shimil, P., & Srivastava, A. (2022). Impact of parenting style and self-control on internet gaming disorder among adolescents. International Journal of Health Sciences. https://dx.doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6ns4.10897