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The problem of screen addiction among children is a growing concern, and its roots are closely linked to the relationship between parents and children. A close, trust-based relationship between parents and children can play a decisive role in controlling how attached children become to screens. A warm and open parenting style can be a strong guide for how screens are used. Parents who talk regularly with their children and take part in their activities can help direct them toward effective and healthy screen use. On the other hand, parental conflict and negative relationships can contribute to increased unhealthy screen use. Children may turn to screens as a way to escape family pressures. Therefore, parents should set a good example for their children in screen use and keep lines of communication open. Effective and honest communication with children about screen use and its potential effects is essential to prevent addiction. Awareness and proper education about screen use are an important first step in reducing screen addiction among children.

Link between parents' screen addiction, children's screen addiction, parental anxiety, and the parent–child relationship

The link between parental screen addiction, children's screen addiction, parental anxiety, and the parent-child relationship

Reliance on screens is strongly influenced by age and gender, but they represent only a small part of the full picture of use. Other factors — such as financial pressures, personal relationships, mental health, and work or study — become highly important in determining social media use. However, it is essential not to overlook the role of other influential factors like personality traits and the social and cultural environment, which tend to shape our patterns of screen and digital technology use. Indeed, these other elements may be decisive in determining how screens and digital technologies affect our daily lives.

Age and gender influence dependence on screens, but account for only a small portion of their use. Factors such as financial, relationship, mental-health, and exam-related stress increase the importance of social media. However, other factors such as personality traits and the social and cultural environment also play a significant role.

Heavy use of social media can increase stress due to the pressure of constant connectivity, negative social comparison, and online conflicts. Fear of missing out (FoMO) can also lead to problematic Internet use. It is essential to manage this stress, notably by limiting time spent online and by adopting a balanced and mindful use of social media.

Deep immersion in social media can lead to increased levels of psychological stress due to the constant need to connect, negative social comparisons, and escalating online conflicts. Later, the fear of missing out—the anxiety about losing out on an experience—may lead to unhealthy internet use. Therefore, it becomes necessary to learn how to manage this type of stress by reducing the time we spend online and applying effective strategies for using social media in a balanced and mindful way. Users should find ways to cope with these pressures to maintain mental health and psychological balance.

The article addresses the impact of screens on stress and well-being. It emphasizes that, although screens are ubiquitous in the modern world and offer many benefits, excessive use can increase stress. This is due to constant notifications, continuous exposure to information, and the pressure to stay constantly connected. Moreover, the type of content consumed can also affect stress levels, such as reading negative news or engaging in social comparison on social networks. However, the goal is not to stop using screens altogether, but to manage their use in a healthy way. The article suggests several strategies to achieve this, such as setting usage limits, using technology to help limit screen time, being mindful of the content consumed, taking regular breaks, and practicing "techno-hygiene" around sleep. In short, it is essential to find a balance to minimize the negative impact of screens on well-being.

Excessive use of digital devices can lead to negative effects on self-esteem. Contributing factors include social comparison on social media, social isolation due to the absence of real relationships, and a lack of physical activity. To combat this dependence, the article suggests establishing usage limits, ensuring that screen time is of good quality, participating in screen-free activities, and seeking professional support if necessary. Ultimately, it is important to maintain a balance between digital life and real life to preserve healthy self-esteem.

Addiction to online gaming and screens is increasingly common, particularly among university students. This addiction can have serious consequences for mental and physical health, as well as for social and family relationships. Many find themselves neglecting their responsibilities and relationships because of their compulsive need to play. It can also lead to a sense of isolation and loss of family belonging. However, with awareness and efforts to balance time spent on screens and with family, along with the necessary support, it is possible to overcome this addiction.