We know that the usage of digital devices, such as smartphones, affects adolescent brain development. While many argue the harmful effects of this usage, which I don’t refute, what about the benefits?
There has been a shift in the digitization of childhood, which has led to some major effects on adolescent brain development. Author Jonathan Haidt of “The Anxious Generation,” says there are more than a dozen mechanisms that have interfered with children’s social and neurological development. Some of these developmental behaviors are attributed to sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, loneliness, social comparison, etc. While we’ve come to know the suspected harms of excessive digital use, we can’t outright reject technology usage in our younger generations. We must identify and bring awareness to how digital technology can support development.
What the impact on adolescent brain development looks like
Smartphones influence the cognitive and emotional development of adolescents in several ways.
- Author Nicholas Karadaras of “Glow Kids,” says brain imaging research shows that the stimulating glowing screen is dopamine-activating and that studies suggest that excessive screen exposure can damage a young person’s developing brain the same way a drug addiction can.
- Haidt also argues that the post-2010 smartphone era coincides with a mental health crisis among teens. We know that correlation is not causation, so we can’t specifically say smartphones are the primary cause.
These concerns are just a snapshot of the research about the impact of digital dependence and begin to show the impact that less face-to-face socialization has on adolescent development.
The benefits to focus on
Childhood and adolescence are now dictated by smartphones, iPads, TVs and constant online interaction. However, not all digital usage in adolescence is harmful.
For some adolescents, digital usage can help reduce isolation and corroborate positive connections. For LGBTQ youth, in particular, many find a community and support through social media. As a 2022 Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Publications study backs, social media supports the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ youth through peer connection, identity management and social support.
Not just limited to LGBTQ youth, Pew Research conducted a 2023 study on teens, social media and technology that further supports that teens use social media and technology for emotional support and social belonging.
Defining healthy and supportive uses of tech in adolescents
Courtesy of Mark Cloutier
Mark Cloutier
There needs to be a balance of technology usage in adolescents in order to maintain support in positive ways and avoid escalation to anxiety and depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends setting boundaries on screen time, per age group. By limiting exposure to screen time, it encourages youth to spend time on their devices more wisely. It’s important to encourage youth to spend their time with technology broadening their horizons with activities such as learning to code or being creative in art applications, rather than passive consumption of scrolling through videos on TikTok, for example.
[Related: Our school started enforcing its cell phone ban. The results have been astounding.]
Some studies show that digital games can contribute to the well-being of children, such as making them more creative in other areas of their lives. A UNICEF study says that digital play has a positive impact on autonomy, creativity and identity. Rather than dismissing the use of this technology, we need to continue to support its usage and be mindful of its daily consumption.
The view of technology exposure in adolescents is nuanced in that there are harmful amounts of consumption, and also ways to be productive in the time youth spend online. The older generations must be aware of both sides and encourage the younger generations to use their time wisely. Similarly, we should all do the due diligence to research and educate ourselves on policy updates to ensure that digital technology supports our youth rather than hinders their development.
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Mark Cloutier is CEO of Caminar, a leading behavioral health organization. The organization supported 41,000 youths and adults across seven counties in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area last year. Caminar builds strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. To learn more, please visit www.caminar.org.
