In an era marked by technological advances, young people's interaction with screens is a matter of growing concern and worry. This article assesses the impact of digital devices on teenagers, and highlights the vital role of parents in promoting healthy development and a robust social fabric.
What impact do screens have on teenagers?
Screens and physical health
Recent studies reveal that when children spend more time in front of screens, this can lead to sleep disturbances, lower academic performance and reduced sporting activities. Exploratory research found no significant correlation between screen time and physical activity in school-age children, but did find significant 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 in young Chinese, affecting their quality of life Yan et al., 2017 REF [^2^]. This situation highlights 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 strong negative correlation with academic performance in middle schoolers Shimil & Srivastava, 2022 REF [^3^]. It is becoming imperative to raise parents' awareness of the importance of supervising the use of these devices to prevent repercussions on young people's school careers.
Recommendations for limiting screen use among teenagers
In the home, it is vital to regulate the use of digital tools to safeguard the physical and psychological well-being of young people. Establishing clear and consistent limits can help balance screen time and offline activities. The virtual must not take precedence over the real world.
How can parents rethink their role when it comes to screens for school-age children?
Encouraging off-screen leisure activities with family members to re-establish broken ties
Encouraging activities that don't involve screens can help strengthen family bonds and develop social skills. These shared moments offer a valuable alternative to the passive consumption of digital media by little ones, especially when they spend most of their free time watching TV.
How can we encourage communication between parents and teenagers?
Open and honest communication between parents and children is fundamental to establishing appropriate and respected rules for screen use. This creates a space for dialogue, where concerns and expectations can be expressed freely.
How can screen use be regulated within the family?
Setting up screen-free moments and digital device-free spaces in the home can help move towards a healthier family environment. Group activities such as board games or nature outings also help to diversify family leisure time. All these tips help to take a step back from three-dimensional reality.
Recommendations for encouraging beneficial online activities
The choice of digital content and activities is essential to avoid negative consequences. In fact, there are many different formats that encourage learning and the development of skills. It's a positive strategy that transforms screen time into an enriching and educational experience.
The link between parental well-being and children's well-being
The place of well-being in the parent-child relationship
Happy parents play a decisive role in their children's overall development. Their well-being directly influences the atmosphere in the home. This fosters an environment conducive to the harmonious development of young people.
Fulfilled parents promote the emotional development of their children
A positive family climate, where parents set an example of thoughtful use of digital media, encourages children's emotional and social development. This includes establishing family routines that prioritize human interaction and quality time spent together.
The role of parents in the socialization of children and adolescents
Parents have a fundamental role to play in teaching social and emotional skills. These play a vital role in the socialization of children and teenagers. They need to balance the use of screens with leisure activities that foster the development of these essential skills.
Can screens contribute to children's well-being and the acquisition of social skills?
Screens in social relations
It can be a good idea to make judicious use of digital devices. They can enrich social relationships and foster collaborative learning. They offer unique opportunities for young people to explore new horizons and cultivate common interests with their peers.
Do digital media promote communication?
When properly supervised, these tools support the development of social and communication skills. Online platforms become spaces where young people can express themselves and exchange ideas. This strengthens their sense of belonging to a community.
What kinds of digital activities and content encourage social interaction?
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.
Encourage 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 them to feel connected to groups with similar interests. At the same time, they develop their social network in a healthy way.
Play cooperative online games to bond over screens
Cooperative online games can be an effective way of strengthening social bonds between young people. They encourage teamwork and communication, which are key skills for social development. Martin Vidberg, consultant for the International Games Festival, noted that since 2021, "We have indeed seen 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 of the moment."
Social networks to strengthen existing ties
Social networks, used responsibly, can help maintain and strengthen existing ties between teenagers. They provide a platform for sharing life moments, interests and mutual support. This helps to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
In conclusion
The active involvement of parents in managing their children's use of screens is crucial to their development and the maintenance of a strong social fabric. By adopting thoughtful strategies and encouraging healthy use of digital media, adults can play a key role in promoting the well-being of their little ones.
Disclaimer
This article is based on scientific research and studies. It is intended to inform and educate, and is not a substitute for 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
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