HOW SHOULD CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS USE DIGITAL DEVICES IN A HEALTHY MANNER, AND HOW SHOULD PARENTS EMPLOY DIGITAL CONTROL?

Abstract

The rising use of digital media in the last decade, including social networking, highlighted new challenges in discussing children and adolescents’ mental and physical health. This paper aims to review the evidence to answer two primary questions: How should children and adolescents healthily use digital devices? and How should parents employ digital control concerning their children’s digital media use? We reviewed the scientific literature (i.e., 38 systematic reviews and meta-analyses) published in the past five years and synthesized the related results to formulate specific guidelines regarding the (a) general recommendations for digital use among children and adolescents; (b) the benefits and risks of digital use among children and adolescents; (c) the guidelines that parents should follow regarding digital control/surveillance (i.e., digital parental control). Finally, we concluded the review of the literature by formulating a series of evidence-based practical recommendations for healthy digital use, with a particular focus on parents’ role in this regard.

Keywords

• children
• adolescents
• digital media
• parents
• guidelines