The digital age, with its ubiquitous screens, has significantly transformed the way teenagers interact with the world. This article highlights the digital practices of middle-schoolers, the impact of screens on their sociability and proposes recommendations for a balanced use of technologies.
What are the digital practices of middle-school students?
Today's young people navigate an ultra-digitized environment. A study by Bulut and Gokce (2023) revealed an increase in screen time among adolescents, mainly for social media and games. It then highlights the importance of understanding these practices in the context of their REF[^1^] well-being.
Their main uses of screens
Screens are used for education, entertainment and communication. Huang et al (2022) have shown that the impact of smartphone use on social relationships varies according to the type of content. This indicates a complex relationship between screen time and REF[^2^] sociability.
How do you measure screen time?
Measuring screen time is essential to understanding its impact. Applications that track the number of hours per day spent online and self-reported logs offer ways of quantifying this exposure.
What cultural practices are associated with screen use?
Screens facilitate access to a diversity of cultural content. Young people and teenagers have the opportunity to be part of global and local communities. They have the chance to discover and participate in diverse cultural forms.
The most popular digital tools among middle-school students
Platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok are well established. They reflect certain habits, such as young people's preferences for social interaction and visual content.
What impact do screens have on middle-schoolers' social skills?
Manwell et al (2022) discussed the risks of excessive exposure to screens, including the potential development of "digital dementia". They highlight the long-term effects on cognition and sociability REF[^3^].
Differences in digital practices between boys and girls
Boys tend to play video games, while girls are more likely to use social networks. These different behaviors influence their sociability in different ways. Nevertheless, one study reveals that the disparities in the amount of time boys and girls are exposed to screens are minimal. An average difference of just 10 minutes at the age of five and a half, and virtually no difference before that age.
The effects of video games and television on teenagers' sociability
Some titles encourage cooperation and interaction. They thus give rise to a new form of digital sociability. However, it's important to recognize that, in some cases, excessive involvement in video games can lead to social isolation. This duality underlines the need for a balanced approach to their consumption. At the same time, too much time spent watching TV can reduce face-to-face interaction. This in turn limits the development of social skills.
How important are cross-disciplinary digital practices in young people's sociability?
Transversal digital uses, such as the simultaneous use of several platforms, play a key role in social identity and the ability to navigate complex social environments.
How can we measure and manage the use of screens by schoolchildren?
Balanced management of screen use is paramount. Parents need to recognize both the benefits and the potential risks of this exposure. Careful monitoring of their children's digital practices is essential.
Screen time recommendations for children and adolescents
Experts recommend limiting screen time to entertainment and educational purposes. Off-screen activities, such as leisure activities, should be promoted in parallel.
Pitfalls to avoid in the use of game consoles and digital tools by young people
It is essential to monitor content and encourage moderate use to avoid negative impacts on the sociability and well-being of children and teenagers. In addition, the substitution of virtual for real social interactions must be prevented. Indeed, this can contribute to a tendency towards isolation among some young people.
What are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about students' use of screens?
Concerns include effects on mental health, concentration, sleep and difficulties at school. The latter result from overexposure to screens, particularly in the daily lives of younger children. This calls for a balanced and informed approach.
How best to manage teenagers' use of screens?
Clear rules and the encouragement of alternative activities are essential for healthy screen use. In addition, it is essential to specifically regulate the time adolescents spend on networked video games. Limited gaming time and the promotion of direct social interaction will serve to counterbalance the time spent online.
The effects of digital devices on concentration
Although distracting, digital devices also offer tools for improving organization and time management. However, it is essential to teach teenagers attention management strategies to minimize interruptions and promote sustained concentration when using these technologies.
What are the solutions for promoting healthy digital practices among teenagers?
Media education and the establishment of healthy limits are key to encouraging balanced screen use. It is also beneficial to involve teenagers in the creation of these limits. They then become the actors of their own digital management.
Best practices for limiting screen abuse
Creating screen-free spaces and defining dedicated times for family and friends can help limit excessive use. Encouraging creative or physical leisure activities can offer enriching alternatives to screen time.
How can we encourage young people to adopt balanced cultural practices in relation to screens?
Promoting a diversity of cultural experiences, both digital and physical, is essential for balanced development. Cultural activities such as visiting museums or taking part in art workshops help to enrich young people's cultural experience beyond the digital realm.
What educational programs are available to help young people learn about responsible digital use?
Initiatives such as "Safer Internet Day" aim to teach young people the skills they need to navigate safely and responsibly in the digital space. The addition of school curricula that address digital citizenship can also have an impact on educating young people to use the Internet responsibly.
How can we promote a balanced use of screens while encouraging young people's sociability?
Promoting activities that combine screen use with face-to-face social interaction is key to balanced sociability. Organizing social events where technology serves as a connecting tool rather than a distraction can help maintain this balance.
What are the emerging trends in digital practices among secondary school students?
The integration of technologies such as augmented reality is transforming digital practices. Indeed, this field offers new opportunities for learning and sociability. The rise of interactive educational platforms and serious games also shows how learning can become more engaging and tailored to young people's interests.
How are young people's digital practices evolving in the face of new screen-related trends?
The emergence of augmented and virtual reality and the growing popularity of streaming and podcasting platforms are creating a veritable revolution. These technologies enable teenagers to consume and create content tailored to their interests. These opportunities further strengthen their sense of belonging and identity in online communities.
New digital screen practices among middle-school students and their impact on sociability
This digital immersion facilitates online communication, but can sometimes substitute for face-to-face interaction. This can compromise the development of more nuanced social skills. What's more, some young people find themselves more connected virtually than in reality.
In conclusion
The use of screens by schoolchildren presents both constraints and opportunities. With a balanced approach, it's possible to navigate this digital environment in a healthy and productive way. It will then be possible to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, medical or other advice. The information contained in this document is based on data available at the time of writing and may change over time.
References
REF[^1^]. Bulut, G.Ç., & Gokce, S. (2023). Problematic social media use, digital gaming addiction and excessive screen time among Turkish adolescents during remote schooling: implications on mental and academic well-being. Marmara Medical Journal. https://dx.doi.org/10.5472/marumj.1244628
REF [^2^]. Huang, S., Lai, X., Zhao, X., Dai, X.-j., Yao, Y., Zhang, C., & Wang, Y. (2022). Beyond Screen Time: Exploring the Associations between Types of Smartphone Use Content and Adolescents' Social Relationships. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158940
REF [^3^]. Manwell, L., Tadros, M., Ciccarelli, T., & Eikelboom, R. (2022). Digital dementia in the internet generation: excessive screen time during brain development will increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in adulthood. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience. https://dx.doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2101028
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