Do you often wonder how so many kids are consumed by screens and technology? It may not be an unfamiliar scene for kids to be absorbed by their tablets while out at dinner rather than engaging in conversation or play. Many times, screen time is a viable option for kids to focus their attention and limit their discomfort in various scenarios. But how exactly does prolonged screen time shape a child’s emotional and social development?
Childhood Before Screens
Before screens became commonplace, children spent their time differently. Their entertainment and education centered around physical play, social interaction, and creativity. Historically, children would play in person without the hindrance of screens, interacting directly with others, building communication skills and emotional bonding.
The shift to screens became more prevalent with the many technological advances across the globe. With the developments of online learning tools, video games, social media platforms, and
streaming entertainment, it is easy to see how the digital takeover moved, wiping out the play of yore. In our society, screens are ubiquitous, ingrained in our day to day. Many individuals use them for school, work, news, and shopping. While children today grow up in a world where digital interactions are the norm, it becomes a large part of their development.
The Impact on Attention and Focus
Unlike previous generations where their environment may have been more text or book-based, children today are more accustomed to a digital landscape. Within this digital sphere, children are able to easily access information, entertainment, and social interaction. Most digital platforms are designed to constantly engage the user and capture attention. With apps such as YouTube and TikTok, individuals are conditioned to desire constant stimulation, directly impacting their attention span. Jean Twenge’s book iGen explores the many ways that increased screen time has impacted individuals, particularly GenZ. In her book, Twenge (2014) highlights research on the decline in cognitive skills, such as memory and concentration. The age of notifications and switching between apps has left individuals with little to no time for deep thought or sustained attention. For example, the availability of Chromebooks in schools can lead to distractions for children due to the ease of accessing games and social media. Twenge also notes that it takes children much longer to complete tasks due to this distraction. As a consequence of limited attention, children will often gravitate toward more immediate, short bursts of entertainment. In some cases, children often have difficulty walking away from screens. Jonathan Haidt (2015) describes "problematic use" as a situation where digital technology becomes so integral to a child's life that its removal causes considerable distress. Screens can be addictive for children, leading to dependence and difficulty disengaging even when their well-being is negatively impacted.
Social Media and Emotional Toll
Increased screen time has also been linked to psychological and emotional consequences. Social media has changed the way individuals interact with the world, leading to phenomena such as FOMO (fear of missing out), and social comparison. According to Johnathan Haidt (2015) and Jean Twenge (2014), social media has exacerbated the tendency for children to compare themselves to others. With exposure to curated content, individuals may be left feeling inadequate or decrease in self-esteem. Kids may perceive others to be constantly engaged in social activities, causing them to feel like they are missing out or not living up to social expectations. This fuels the constant need for validation through social media platforms. With tools on social media such as likes, comments, and shares, individuals often experience instant emotional responses when posting. Haidt and Twenge explain how this feedback loop causes kids to feel lonely or worthless due to low self-esteem. Constant notifications and the anxiety of missing out on the newest social updates generate a feeling of urgency and mental overload. The pressure to keep up with the never-ending flow of information can often lead to symptoms of anxiety.
Long-term exposure to social media may worsen anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Teenagers, whose brains are still maturing, are especially susceptible to these emotional difficulties, according to Haidt and Twenge. The constant flux of emotions induced by social media can make it difficult for kids to develop emotional regulation skills. Lack of sufficient coping skills during childhood can lead to ongoing emotional instability, potentially making it harder to handle stress and complex feelings in adulthood. As children spend more time interacting through screens, they may struggle with understanding non-verbal cues, engaging in deep conversations, and forming meaningful relationships in real life. Reduced in-person interaction can hinder their social development, making it harder to build empathy, trust, and emotional connection. Dr. Daniel Siegel explains how excessive screen time can train the brain to prioritize interaction with digital devices over real-world experiences. This shift can also severely impact the development of social and emotional intelligence.
The Loss of Boredom and Its Costs
A challenge many children struggle with today is what to do with idle time. For many, the solution is engagement in screen time, however, it can hinder their ability to be creative and expressive. When children spend a significant amount of time engaging with passive content like TV shows or social media, their brains are less likely to be stimulated in ways that encourage creative thinking. Engaging in creative avenues like drawing, building, and storytelling encourages a child’s critical thinking, decision-making skills, and imagination. In contrast, screen-based entertainment frequently limits opportunities for independent thought. The use of screens can replace these rich interactions, making it harder for kids to express themselves verbally and emotionally. As a result, their ability to think outside the box, and problem-solve can be significantly stunted.
Solutions: Creating a Healthy Screen Balance
Creating a healthy screen balance for children is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical well-being, especially in a world where digital devices are pervasive in daily life. But what can we do to reduce screen consumption? Here are some ideas to integrate limited screen time for you or your children:
- Time Limits: Set clear time restrictions for screen time, especially for leisure activities such as social media and gaming.
- Screen Free Zone: Create designated areas in your home where screens are not allowed, particularly during family meals, in bedrooms, and while studying, to promote a balance between screen time and other activities.
- Physical Play and Exercise: Ensure daily routines include regular physical activity. Promote screen-free time through outdoor play, walks, sports, and other exercises to support overall well-being.
- Nature Time: Schedule dedicated blocks of time for outdoor activities. This could include hikes, bike rides, or just relaxing in a park.
- Board Games and Puzzles: Swap screen time for quality family time with engaging board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, or chess. Jigsaw puzzles also offer a fantastic, screen-free alternative for fun.
- Helping at Home: To foster responsibility and a sense of accomplishment in children, involve them in household chores or pet care.
Looking to The Future
The growing dependence on screens raises important questions regarding the potential impact of technology on the upcoming generation's social, attentional, and emotional regulation skills. Will increased screen time diminish children's capacity for in-person communication and their ability to navigate challenging emotions without the immediate gratification of a digital device? How can we ensure that children develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world? Parents and caregivers have the power to shape a healthier future for their children by setting boundaries and promoting activities that foster emotional resilience, real-world connections, and creative expression.
References:
Haidt, J., & Lukianoff, G. (2018). The coddling of the American mind: How good intentions and bad ideas are setting up a generation for failure. Penguin Press.
Siegel, D. J. (2014). Brainstorm: The power and purpose of the teenage brain. TarcherPerigee.
Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why today's super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy—and completely unprepared for adulthood—and what that means for the rest of us. Atria Books.