Authors
- Camila Villegas Bernal
The impact of the digital era on children’s mental health
In recent years, childhood has become increasingly digital. Children are spending more hours in front of screens, staying connected and engaging with social media. This phenomenon has raised growing concern about children’s mental health and the potential effects of excessive technology use. According to the American Psychological Association (APA, 2023), “Young people may feel socially isolated or experience mental health challenges when they use technology” (Zhang, Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region, & Browne, 2025).
Effects of excessive screen time
An association has been observed between screen time and lower psychological well-being in children. Constant exposure to electronic devices can affect cognitive processes such as sustained attention, working memory, and emotional self-regulation (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). Two well-known American psychologists and researchers, Jean M. Twenge and W. Keith Campbell, who specialize in studying the impact of technology, conducted a study analyzing a sample of more than 40,000 children and adolescents in the United States to examine the relationship between screen exposure (television, video games, computers, phones, and tablets) and psychological well-being. The results showed that emotional and behavioral well-being progressively decreases as screen time increases. When daily screen exposure exceeds two hours, difficulties in social interactions and lower academic performance become evident.
Side effects of social media: anxiety and negative comparisons
In an article published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), written by pediatricians Megan A. Moreno and Jenny Radesky, it is noted that social media use carries significant risks. Repeated exposure to idealized content on platforms such as Instagram increases body dissatisfaction and feelings of inferiority among preadolescents.
Setting limits to reduce the negative effects of social media
It is essential for parents to establish clear limits on social media use in order to protect children’s mental health and prevent anxiety or negative comparisons. According to UNICEF (2023), adult guidance is essential: the goal is not to prohibit, but to promote a moderate and responsible use of technology. As the organization states, “it should not be assumed that children already know the risks or have the conditions for safe use; sharing, learning together, and avoiding excessive control are key” (UNICEF, 2023, para. 8).
Children should learn to distinguish between positive content and content that may cause harm. According to this article, it is important to limit exposure to social media and screens, promote technology-free times and spaces, maintain open conversations about online content, and encourage critical thinking. These strategies are effective in reducing negative effects such as anxiety and in fostering a responsible and healthy digital identity.
Risks to children’s safety in cyberspace
The digital environment can be a dangerous space, especially for children. Beyond emotional health, cyberspace can also threaten children’s physical and psychological safety. According to UNICEF (2024), exposure to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or grooming are increasingly common risks.
Conclusion
Both social media and technology are a major part of children’s lives today. They offer opportunities for learning and connection to the world, but also pose challenges to children’s mental health and risks in the digital environment. Finding a balance is essential, establishing limits that allow children to benefit from the advantages of the digital world while minimizing its risks.
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Health advisory on social media use in adolescence. https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use
Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. (2023, octubre 18). La influencia de las redes sociales en la percepción del cuerpo y la salud mental. https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/noticias/la-influencia-de-las-redes-sociales-en-la-percepcion-del-cuerpo-y-la-salud-mental
Mayo Clinic. (2023, abril 14). Adolescentes y redes sociales: Consejos para un uso saludable. https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
Moreno, M. A., & Radesky, J. (2023). Las redes sociales y la salud mental de su hijo: qué dice la investigación científica. HealthyChildren.org.
American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/Spanish/family-life/Media/Paginas/social-media-and-your-childs-mental-health-what-research-says.aspx
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.10.003
UNICEF Cuba. (2023). Mídete: Uso responsable de redes sociales. Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia (UNICEF). https://www.unicef.org/cuba/midete-uso-responsable-redes-sociales
UNICEF. (2024). Informe anual de UNICEF 2024. Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia (UNICEF). https://www.unicef.org/es/informes/informe-anual-unicef-2024
