Navigating the Digital Age: Understanding the Impact on Our Kids.
Let's dive into the digital world!
This is the first in a series of blog posts exploring the sometimes-tricky relationship we all have with social media, the internet and gaming. And trust me, it's not just the kids who struggle to unplug – we grown-ups are in this screen-time saga together!
Hey Parents,
Ever feel like your child or you could be glued to the screen? You're not alone! In today's digital world, smartphones and social media are everywhere, and while they offer amazing ways to connect and learn, it's also important to understand the potential downsides for our kids and us!
Let's break down some of the key areas where digital media can have a big impact:
Mind Matters: The Mental Health Connection
Our kids' brains are still developing, and too much screen time can take a toll:
Mood Swings & Worries: Studies show a strong link between heavy social media use and increased feelings of sadness and anxiety in teens. Kids who spend a lot of time online are more likely to report being unhappy.
The Shadow of Cyberbullying: Online bullying is incredibly painful because it can be seen by so many. It’s also linked to serious issues like self-harm and suicidal thoughts. And exposure to content about self-harm can make vulnerable kids even more at risk.
Self-Esteem Slippage: Ever notice how perfect everyone looks online? Comparing themselves to filtered photos can really hurt a child's self-esteem and body image. Girls, especially, can feel overwhelmed by the drama and pressures.
Emotional Rollercoaster: Emotions can spread like wildfire online. And apps like TikTok, with their endless videos, can sometimes act like an "incubator" for emotional and behavioral issues, leading to kids feeling — or even claiming — mental health problems.
The Pull of the Screen: While it's not always a clinical addiction, excessive digital media use can lead to problems like being less productive, having unhealthy relationships, and feeling less satisfied with life. Kids can even experience "withdrawal" symptoms like boredom when they're not online!
Body Talk: Physical Health Concerns
All that screen time isn't just affecting their minds; it's impacting their bodies too:
Sleep Sabotage: Late-night scrolling is a big culprit for sleep problems. Even just having a phone in the bedroom can mess with a child's sleep quantity and quality.
Eye Strain & Beyond: Staring at screens for hours can cause blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and neck pain – often called "digital eyestrain."
"Text Neck" Troubles: Leaning forward to look at a phone can lead to "text neck," causing all sorts of issues in the neck and spine, especially during growth spurts.
Early Bloomers: Some worry that the blue light from screens, which affects a sleep hormone, might even contribute to earlier puberty in girls.
Social Scene: How Interactions are Changing
Digital media is reshaping how our kids connect, sometimes for the worse:
Less Face-to-Face: More screen time can mean fewer opportunities for real-life interactions, which can hinder social skills. High social media use is linked to feeling more socially isolated. And even when we're together, a phone can pull us away from meaningful connection – ever been "phubbed"? (Phubbed is being ignored by others in order for them to pay attention to a device!!
Cyberbullying on the Rise: Online harassment, from name-calling to threats, has skyrocketed. Social media is a hotbed for this, and witnessing it can also cause anxiety and depression in bystanders.
The Dark Side of the Web: Sadly, digital platforms can be "hunting grounds" for predators. It's a serious concern, with reports of minors being approached for inappropriate content, and platforms like Instagram being identified as leaders in child grooming. (Sextortion and other online issues - online safety found on Resource Downloads page).
Hyper-What? Some content on platforms like TikTok can be overly sexualized, and while some kids might see it as empowerment, it can also lead to objectification and negatively impact self-esteem.
Fear of Speaking Out: The internet can make public shaming easy, leading to fear and self-censorship. Kids with unpopular opinions might be less likely to share them online for fear of being isolated.
Brain Boost or Brain Drain? Cognitive Development
Our kids' ability to learn and focus can be impacted:
Attention Spans Shrinking: Constant notifications and the expectation of new content can make it hard for kids to focus for long periods. Excessive screen time in preschoolers is even linked to ADHD-like symptoms. Individuals with ADHD can get pulled into the continuous “hits” the algorithms generate.
Memory Muddles: Heavy social media use can lead to more everyday memory failures. And using devices to record experiences can actually make us remember them less!
Grades Taking a Hit: Too much screen time is associated with cognitive difficulties like trouble concentrating and remembering. Higher screen time in early childhood has been linked to lower scores on developmental tests, and spending time on Facebook has even been negatively related to GPA.
Shallow Thinking: Problematic smartphone use can reduce "flow" – that deep immersion in an enjoyable activity. Digital media can create a more "shallow" existence, where kids aren't fully present or engaging in deep thought.
The Takeaway
Digital media offers incredible opportunities, but it's clear that extensive and unregulated use carries significant risks for our children's mental, physical, social, and cognitive well-being.
As parents, being aware of these impacts is the first step. Let's work together to help our kids navigate this digital world safely and healthily!
Haidt, J. & Rausch, Z. (ongoing). Digital Media Effects on Adolescents: A Collaborative Review. Unpublished manuscript, New York University. (First posted: November 8, 2022. Last updated December 19, 2023.
If this resonates, you're not alone!
Supporting Parents and Adults who are having trouble navigating boundaries with the online world is something that comes up often in therapy sessions. Parents often ask how to speak to their children about the dangers that are online and wording that may be helpful. It can show up in other ways too, losing track of time, kids being dysregulated due to too much screen time, lower satisfaction with their lives due to FOMO (fear of missing out) while scrolling through social media pages that depict a perfect life and family!
Remember this “online world” was created by social media companies, content creators and advertisers who want to MAKE MONEY off of you and your children!
We can make better choices that work for our families!
Downloads for online safety
I will be continuously adding more free resources that can be downloaded, so check back frequently.
If you would like to Take the Next Step Towards feeling more supported and understood, please reach out!
Consider scheduling a virtual therapy session tailored to your needs. Together, we can work towards your personal goals in a supportive and affirming environment.
Hi! I’m Christine McGowan: Your Partner in Mental Wellness
With years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in trauma recovery, neurodiversity, and empowering individuals to navigate life's transitions. My approach is rooted in empathy and evidence-based practices, ensuring that you receive the support you need to achieve your personal goals. Together, we can explore your unique journey and foster a deeper understanding of your mental health.