Digital media’s influence on our lives is an oft-discussed topic, with a range of perspectives — which is especially true when examining the ways children interact with technology. The reason behind the topic’s omnipresence is twofold: research is still on-going (and likely always will be), and the topic is necessarily incredibly nuanced.

Growing up in the era of technology influences the countless (online and offline) interactions children have every single day. Staying up to date on current research and taking steps to teach children about the benefits and disadvantages of technology takes work, but it’s work that can be done with guidance from researchers in fields related to media and child development.

This article will present the work of experts who study children, digital spaces, and the effect the latter has on the former. It may feel intimidating to begin the discussion by diving into topics that come across as quite negative, but the second half of the article focuses on concrete advice for building a healthier media landscape for children.

What the studies say

The responses we have to digital worlds are like two sides of the same coin in terms of benefits and pitfalls. Another TerraYou article in our library discusses some of the many benefits of video games, and to take a more holistic approach to the topic, we’ll look at the other side of that coin here. Here’s what some of the latest research states about how children are affected by excessive screen time:

Less creativity

It may sound surprising, but children need time being bored — in fact it plays an important role in their development. Dr. Debra Bradley Ruder’s research uncovered that children miss out on this important experience after having too much screen time. Boredom is in many ways a gift to children, and not only because it gives the brain a few moments to rest, but because it frees up their minds to be creative. It is during this time that they have the necessary space to invent, using only what they have in their environments. Boredom encourages them to lean into fantasy and create entire worlds with the power of their own brains.

Symptoms of decreased memory

The blue light emitted by screens reduces the body’s ability to produce the hormone melatonin, which essentially makes us sleepy and therefore able to fall asleep, stay asleep, and reach REM sleep. Ruder points out that when humans are learning, like children are in school, sleep plays a particularly crucial role for its link to memory retention. It’s not enough to simply attend class; without reaching REM sleep at night — which is the deepest type of sleep — the brain is unable to commit to memory what it’s learned. Metaphorically speaking, without REM sleep, the knowledge of the day is unable to be saved to the brain’s hard drive. This is why screen time is best had during the day rather than before bed.

Compulsive symptoms

Further, a study by the University of California in San Francisco uncovered that excessive game playing and video watching can lead to compulsive tendencies, symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). “Children who spend excessive time playing video games report feeling the need to play more and more and being unable to stop despite trying”, they reported. These compulsive feelings can be exacerbated by the algorithms social media platforms use to give children an unending supply of exactly what they’re looking for, even when it comes to the ads they see.

Depression and anxiety

Another study from the University of California in San Francisco found that too much screen time was linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, and aggression. Researchers went on to say, “the effects were small but consistent. Screen time was closely tied to depressive symptoms, and to a lesser extent to conduct, somatic and attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms.”

What we can do about it

Limiting, rather than forbidding children from screens allows parents and guardians to reframe their thinking. This article’s repeated use of the phrase “excessive screen time” is intentional, as reducing screen time makes a significant, positive impact. For example, scheduling time windows for digital activities and ensuring those times don’t occur soon before bed is a necessary step. We can also accompany children as they have experiences with tech and allow for their enjoyment of the kinds of technology that sharpen their brains or allow them to roleplay compassion, for example.

A second crucial step is creating space for alternatives to digital activities. The University of California’s study claims that children use screens, even unconsciously, to replace activities that typically take place in the real world — activities that naturally reduce depression and anxiety and boost mental health. Children can be supported by the adults in their lives to make room for activities including (but not limited to): socializing with others, exercising, doing crafts, and getting enough sleep.

And there’s even more tips for building digitally safe spaces for children. Dr. Michael Rich, the pediatrician who has written extensively on creating environments to foster healthy relationships between children and media, recommends the following in his book, “The Mediatrician's Guide: A Joyful Approach to Raising Healthy, Smart, Kind Kids in a Screen-Saturated World”:

• Beware of digital media distraction. Half of all kids and three-quarters of parents feel the other is distracted when talking to each other.

• Have regular sit-downs, screen-free meals with your children[.…]

• Avoid blue light-emitting screen use before bedtime.

• Play online games with your children rather than forbidding them. Learn how to play from them and, as you play, help them think about what they're seeing and doing on screen.

• Help your children plan how to spend their time, focusing on important and favorite activities to avoid sliding into the screen abyss.

Growing up with healthy media usage

It is certainly possible to navigate children toward healthier media usage, and they can benefit enormously from less time on screens and using technology purposefully: creating meaningful links to others, engaging with culture, or learning new things. Children’s experiences must be varied as they grow, whether they feel most rewarded by physical activity, by building, by creating, by researching, by thinking critically, or any number of other endeavors. With the right boundaries, digital worlds can offer a stimulating and supportive role in that.

New studies about the impact of digital media on children are published often, giving us more insight into what to provide children to encourage their development. In the meantime, you can help the children around you by staying aware of the influence of technology and by investing your attention into building an environment with healthy media access. Useful resources include the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s Screen Media Resource Center or the Mayo Clinic’s range of resources concerning digital spaces and beyond.