Over the past twenty years, the use of screens in schools for educational or personal purposes has grown considerably. As a result, their impact on social development and on young people, particularly in the academic environment, has become controversial. There's no denying that, in this context, these technologies offer a number of advantages. Nevertheless, the risks are not minimal, in terms of the growth and well-being of young children. The aim is to find the right balance to constructively manage the time spent in front of these devices.
Screen use and social development in adolescents
General overview
The integration of screens into teenagers' daily lives has profoundly altered their social interactions. While digital technologies offer unique opportunities for learning and connecting, they also present 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 of limiting screen time for recreational purposes to 2 hours a day, with potential consequences for their well-being. Research by Goswami and Parekh (2023) REF [^2^] reveals that excessive screen time is linked to negative outcomes in 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, essential for the development of 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 social ties at a distance. However, this requires thoughtful, supervised use. Social networks offer platforms for communication and self-expression. They thus contribute to the development of identity and social relationships, despite the associated risks.
Children's passivity in front of screens
Children become passive by spending long hours in front of screens. This has become a major concern. This passivity can limit active social interaction and reduce opportunities for physical engagement. When technology monopolizes teenagers' attention, it risks hindering their ability to initiate and maintain meaningful social relationships in real life.
Video games: between risks and opportunities for social cohesion
Risks associated with video games
Video game addiction is a worrying phenomenon, particularly among teenagers. This addiction sometimes leads to social isolation, where individuals privilege virtual worlds to the detriment of real interactions. Kharade (2021) REF [^3^] points out that excessive engagement with video games can exacerbate mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. What's more, prolonged immersion in these virtual environments reduces the time devoted to physical activity, with risks of the onset of chronic diseases, including obesity and sleep disorders. It is vital to recognize the signs of addiction and intervene early to prevent these negative consequences.
The opportunities offered by video games
Despite these risks, video games also offer significant opportunities for social development, not least because of their interactive nature. Some games encourage teamwork, cooperation and group problem-solving. Virtual social skills are then 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, across geographical boundaries. It is therefore important to encourage a balanced use of video games. This means recognizing their potential to enrich social and cognitive skills.
Social networks and their influence on social ties in schools
Positive impact of social networks
Social networks play a central role in teenagers' 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 interaction with friends and family. They also offer opportunities for discovery and engagement in communities of interest. In addition, social media serve as an important medium for informal learning and knowledge exchange, which will enrich teenagers' educational experience.
Challenges and issues related to social networking
However, the use of social networks is not without risks. Cyberbullying is a serious problem, with potentially devastating consequences for teenagers' self-esteem and mental well-being. What's more, social pressure and online comparison sometimes contribute to anxiety and depression. Proactive strategies are therefore needed to educate young people about 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 players in supervising the use of digital tools. It's important to establish clear and consistent limits around screen time, but also to promote open dialogue about digital content. Encouraging screen-free activities, such as sports, creative leisure and face-to-face social interaction, is fundamental to balanced growth.
School initiatives
Schools also have a role to play, by integrating digital education into their curricula to teach students critical and responsible use of technology. Offering extra-curricular activities that encourage social interaction and the development of social skills can help counteract the effects of screen-related isolation. According to Unesco, around 50 % of the world's lower secondary schools were connected to the Internet for educational purposes in 2022.
State initiatives to limit children's exposure
At state level, initiatives aim to control children's exposure to screens. These recognize the importance of a national approach to promoting the healthy use of digital technologies. These public policies should play a decisive role in making families aware of the risks and opportunities associated with the use of technologies, and in supporting the adoption of responsible digital practices. For several years now, the law has prohibited the use of cell phones in secondary schools. It also makes it compulsory to install a parental control device on every tablet, smartphone, computer and television placed on the French market.
In conclusion
The impact of screen use on the social bond between adolescents is complex. This situation calls for a balanced approach that recognizes both risks and opportunities. Collaboration between parents, educators and policy-makers is needed to frame this use in a way that promotes the healthy development of children and adolescents. These strategies underline the importance of a collaborative, multi-dimensional strategy to manage screen use among our young people, for their social development.
Disclaimer
This article draws on scientific research to provide a balanced analysis of the impact of screen use on 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
English 
French 
Arabic 
Persian