A major new study from the U.S. shows that high levels of digital device use can have a significant negative impact on the social/emotional/behavioral wellbeing of tweens (children ages 11-12 years). The researchers found that tweens who exhibit symptoms of addiction to screens (such as being unable to reduce their usage of screens, lying about time spent online, or losing interest in things that do not involve screens) had much higher rates of depression, sleep problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, and conduct disorder than did their peers who did not demonstrate symptoms of screen addiction. Parent and clinician concerns about tween mental health are heightened, especially since early adolescence is a time of significant developmental vulnerability.
Rather than blaming tweens themselves for not being able to manage their digital use, many experts agree that the current crisis in tween mental health is a systems issue: that is, many of the apps and games to which tweens have access are specifically designed to engage tweens and keep their young minds engaged; at the same time, parents and caregivers are juggling work, stressors, and very limited access to mental health services for children.
In light of the findings from this study, pediatricians are recommending that parents monitor the warning signs of tween mental health issues, including, but not limited to, changing feelings (mood swings), secrecy regarding electronic devices, dropping in grades, and withdrawing from friends. Parent should engage tweens in gentle, non-judgmental, and supportive discussions about the use of technology, set appropriate boundaries about technology use, and model healthy technology use in the home to foster improved mental health for all tweens.
With schools incorporating digital literacy to teach about the ways algorithms affect attention and body image as well as mental health.
If a parent feels their tween’s mental health is at risk, seeking a Pediatrician or therapist would be recommended than waiting until issues arise. The authors of the article on this topic state while technology is not all bad for tweens, there needs to be some guidelines or better assistance to make sure that digital technology improves rather than harms a tweens mental health.
Source: Tween study coverage – U.S. News & World Report (Health News)
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