08/15/2025
š± Day NINE of our Back to School series š»
TECHNOLOGY
Iām so excited to have my friend Heather Ward, LMSW, share her expertise on the impacts of technology & some tips on how to mitigate some of the adverse effects. Hereās what Heather said:
Parenting in the Digital Age: Understanding the Impact of Technology and Social Media
As parents, weāre navigating a world where screens and social media are woven into the fabric of our childrenās lives. While technology offers connection and convenience, it also brings challengesāespecially when it comes to mental health, development, and setting boundaries. Hereās what you need to know:
1. Social Media & Adolescent Mental Health
Social media is nearly universal among teensā96% report daily internet use, and 67% say their phone use affects their sleep. Teachers echo this concern, with 67% reporting that phones negatively distract students in class.
The U.S. Surgeon General has voiced serious concerns about the mental health risks of social media, even calling for warning labels on platforms. Research shows strong links between social media use and:
⢠Increased depression and anxiety
⢠Sleep disruption - blue light interferes with melatonin and circadian rhythms.
⢠Poor body image and impulse control - dopamine-driven āfeel goodā cravings.
⢠Loneliness - online interaction doesnāt replace real-world connection.
⢠Suicidal thoughts - teens spending 5+ hours/day on devices are 71% more likely to exhibit suicidal behaviors.
These platforms are designed to be addictiveāand our teens are feeling the weight.
2. Screen Time & Early Childhood Development
For younger children, screen time can interfere with critical developmental milestones. Research has shown that:
⢠Attention issues arise from overstimulation
⢠Language delays occur when screen time replaces human interaction
⢠Social skills and emotional regulation are negatively impacted
⢠Problem-solving abilities can be diminished
⢠Physical health suffers, including poor sleep and unhealthy weight patterns
Children learn best through play, conversation, and real-world experiencesānot passive viewing.
3. Navigating Screen Use: What Parents Can Do
I understand that eliminating screens entirely may not be feasible ā but intentional boundaries make a big difference. Here are some age-based recommendations and practical tips:
⢠Use by Age Range:
o Ages 0- 2 years old ā recommended no screen time (if used, keep it very minimal, educations, and interactive with a parent).
o Ages 2 ā 5 years old ā Max 1 hour/day.
o Ages 6 + ā Max 2 hours/day (excluding school-related use).
⢠Healthy habits to Build:
o Create āno phoneā zones or times in your homeāyes, even for parents!
o Prioritize in-person connection: playdates, family activities, shared meals
o Model healthy behavior: your habits shape theirs
o Hold firm boundaries at night: no phones in bedrooms, no screens before bed
o Talk about what they see online - Stay engaged with your childās social media use by checking in regularly and having open conversations about the content theyāre viewing. Help them understand that not everything online reflects realityāimages can be edited, stories can be misleading, and popularity doesnāt equal truth. Your guidance helps build critical thinking and emotional resilience in a digital world.