Over the past twenty years, the use of screens in schools for educational or personal purposes has increased sharply. Consequently, their impact on social development among young people, particularly in academic settings, has become a subject of controversy. It is undeniable that in this context these technologies offer several advantages. Nevertheless, the risks are not negligible in terms of growth and well-being for young children. The objective is to find the right balance to constructively frame the time spent in front of these devices.

Screen use and social development in adolescents

Overview 

The integration of screens into adolescents' daily lives has profoundly changed their social interactions. While digital technologies offer unique opportunities for learning and connection, they also pose significant challenges for emotional development and socialization.

According to a study by Fairclough (2021) REF [^1^], a large proportion of adolescents far exceed the recommendation to limit recreational screen time to 2 hours per day, with potential consequences for their well-being. Research by Goswami and Parekh (2023) REF [^2^] reveals that excessive screen time is associated with negative outcomes across various areas of child development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Negative consequences

Excessive engagement with digital media leads to a reduction in direct social interactions, which are essential for developing social and emotional skills. Isolation and addiction to video games as well as social networks are well-documented risks, with negative impacts on mental and physical health (Kharade, 2021) REF [^3^].

Positive potentials

Digital technologies enrich collaborative learning and strengthen long-distance social ties. However, this requires thoughtful and supervised use. Social networks provide platforms for communication and self-expression. They can therefore contribute to identity development and social relationships, despite the associated risks.

Children's passivity in front of screens

A child becomes passive after spending long hours in front of screens. This situation has become a major concern. This passivity can limit active social interactions and reduce opportunities for physical engagement. When technologies monopolize adolescents' attention, this may hinder their ability to initiate and maintain meaningful social relationships in real life.

Video games: between risks and opportunities for social bonds

Risks associated with video games

Video game addiction is a worrying phenomenon, particularly among adolescents. This dependence sometimes leads to social isolation, where individuals favor virtual worlds at the expense of real interactions. Kharade (2021) REF [^3^] highlights that excessive engagement in video games can exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In addition, prolonged immersion in these virtual environments reduces the time devoted to physical activity, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, notably obesity and sleep disorders. It is essential to recognize the signs of addiction and intervene early to prevent these negative consequences.

Opportunities offered by video games

Despite these risks, video games also offer significant opportunities for social development, notably because of their interactive nature. Some games encourage teamwork, cooperation, and group problem-solving. Virtual social skills can thus be developed. These environments sometimes serve as platforms for collaborative learning and the establishment of social relationships. They become unique opportunities for young people to connect with peers who share the same interests, beyond geographic boundaries. It is therefore important to encourage a balanced use of video games by recognizing their potential to enrich social and cognitive skills.

Social networks and their influence on social bonds in schools

Positive impact of social networks

Social networks play a central role in adolescents' social lives. They have become unique spaces for communication, self-expression, and identity development. These platforms enable young people to maintain and strengthen social ties, as they facilitate interactions with friends and family. They also offer opportunities to discover and engage with interest-based communities. Moreover, social media serve as an important support for informal learning and knowledge exchange, which can enrich adolescents' educational experience.

Challenges and problems related to social networks

However, the use of social networks is not without risks. Cyberbullying is a serious problem, with potentially devastating consequences for adolescents' self-esteem and mental well-being. In addition, social pressure and online comparison sometimes contribute to anxiety and depression. It is therefore necessary to adopt proactive strategies to educate young people on responsible use of these media, promote safe online environments, and support victims of cyberbullying.

Prevention strategies and recommendations for managing screen time

Involved parents and educators

Parents and educators are key actors in supervising the use of digital tools. It is important to establish clear and consistent limits around screen time, but also to promote an open dialogue about digital content. Encouraging screen-free activities, such as sports, creative hobbies, and face-to-face social interactions, is fundamental for balanced development.

School initiatives 

Schools also have a role to play by integrating digital education into their curricula to teach students critical and responsible use of technologies. Offering extracurricular activities that promote social interaction and the development of social skills can help counterbalance the effects of screen-related isolation. According to UNESCO, around 50% of lower secondary schools worldwide were connected to the Internet for educational purposes in 2022.

State initiatives to limit children's exposure

At the state level, initiatives aim to regulate children's exposure to screens. These recognize the importance of a national approach to promote healthy use of digital technologies. Public policies should play a key role in raising families' awareness of the risks and opportunities related to technology use and in supporting the adoption of responsible digital practices. In recent years the law has banned carrying mobile phones in middle schools. It also establishes the obligation to install a parental control system on every tablet, smartphone, computer, and television marketed in France

In conclusion

The impact of screen use on social bonds among adolescents is complex. This situation requires a balanced approach that recognizes both risks and opportunities. Collaboration between parents, educators, and policymakers is necessary to govern this use in a way that promotes healthy development for children and adolescents. These strategies underscore the importance of a collaborative and multidimensional approach to managing screen use among our youth for their social development.

Disclaimer

This article is based on scientific research to provide a balanced analysis of the impact of screen use among adolescents.

References

REF [^1^]. Fairclough, S. (2021). Adolescents’ digital screen time as a concern for health and well‐being? Device type and context matter. Acta Paediatrica. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.15843

REF [^2^]. Goswami, P., & Parekh, V. (2023). The impact of screen time on child and adolescent development: a review. International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health. https://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20231865

REF [^3^]. Kharade, S. S. (2021). An Adverse Effect of Social, Gaming, and Entertainment Media on Overall Development of Adolescents. https://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-8318-0.ch003