PLAYING Mind games
Mobile Phone Usage, Social Media Engagement, and Gaming Behaviours
Understanding Emotional Regulation and Socialisation Difficulties in Children Due to Mobile Phone Usage, Social Media Engagement, and Gaming Behaviours
Hello, I'm Adrian, a provisionally registered psychologist at Masters Psychology, specialising in child and family psychology. As I complete my final months of clinical psychology training, I've worked extensively with families facing challenges related to excessive mobile phone usage, social media engagement, and gaming behaviours in children. This blog aims to provide insights and practical strategies for parents navigating these issues effectively.
Understanding the Impact of Digital Engagement on Children's Development
In today's digital world, children are exposed to screens from a young age, shaping their development in profound ways. As parents, understanding the implications of digital engagement is crucial for fostering healthy growth and well-being for our kids.
Physical Effects
Excessive screen time can lead to various physical health issues in children. Prolonged use of devices can contribute to poor posture, musculoskeletal problems, and eye strain. The sedentary nature of screen activities also reduces physical activity levels, which is vital for the overall health and development of children.
Psychological Impacts
The psychological effects of excessive screen time are equally concerning. Children may experience challenges with attention span and concentration, particularly if their screen use is unregulated. The constant stimulation from digital devices can affect their ability to self-regulate emotions, leading to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty managing stress. Researchers note emerging evidence that children who have reduced opportunities to experience ‘real-world’ situations that promote stress tolerance, and the development of resilience will exhibit increased difficulties with emotional regulation.
Social Development
Screen time can influence children's social development in significant ways. Over-reliance on digital interactions may hinder their ability to develop crucial social skills such as empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution. Face-to-face communication skills, essential for building relationships and navigating social situations, may be underdeveloped if not practiced regularly. This can result in children experiencing low self-esteem due to making unrealistic comparisons to situations experienced online.
Cognitive Development
The impact of digital engagement on cognitive development is a topic of ongoing research. While some digital activities can enhance cognitive skills such as problem-solving and spatial reasoning, excessive screen time may disrupt cognitive processes and affect academic performance. Finding a balance between educational screen use and other forms of learning is essential for supporting cognitive growth.
Emotional Well-being
Promoting positive digital experiences contributes to your child's emotional well-being. Encouraging hobbies that promote creativity, physical activity, and social interaction outside of screens fosters a balanced lifestyle. Monitoring your child's online interactions and being aware of their emotional responses to digital content helps address any issues early on.
Risk of Addiction
There is an increased risk of gaming addiction due to the immersive and often competitive nature of modern video games. Features such as in-game rewards and social interactions can reinforce addictive behaviours. Additionally, easy access to gaming through mobile devices and online platforms has contributed to a higher prevalence of gaming addiction among both youth and adults. Recognising these risks and having open discussions with children while promoting balanced gaming habits is essential for mitigating potential harm.
Common Questions and Considerations
"How can I tell if my child's mobile phone usage or gaming is unhealthy?"
Unhealthy mobile phone usage can manifest in several ways. If your child spends more time on their phone than on activities such as homework or physical play, it may be excessive. Mood swings, irritability when phone use is restricted, disrupted sleep patterns, and a preference for digital interaction over face-to-face socialising are also indicators.
"What emotional regulation difficulties are linked to excessive gaming?"
Excessive gaming can significantly impact emotional regulation. Children may exhibit increased aggression, frustration when interrupted or losing a game, and difficulty calming down after intense gaming sessions. The immersive nature of games can lead to impulsive behaviours, affecting their ability to manage emotions effectively.
"How can I help my child develop healthier social skills amidst digital distractions?"
Developing healthy social skills involves balancing digital interactions with face-to-face communication. Encourage regular playdates, team sports, or group activities that foster real-world connections. Limiting screen time and promoting hobbies that don't involve screens are essential to cultivating empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution skills.
“What practical steps can I take to manage my child's digital engagement?”
Establishing clear rules and routines around screen time is crucial. Set specific limits for gaming and phone use that align with their age and developmental needs. It is recommended that younger children are exposed to less screen time due to the negative effects on neurodevelopment in early stages of their growth (less is best). Encourage breaks during screen time for physical activities or creative pursuits. It is important to engage in open conversations about the risks of excessive digital use and monitor the content they access online. Remember, this is not the parent dictating to the child. The child needs to feel that they are being heard and validated, and the solution is a collaborative process whereby everyone can agree on the rules and routines. Additionally, as parents, it is vital to role model healthy digital usage. If our children see us on our devices for the majority of the day, then this is not role modelling the kind of behaviours that are healthy for our children (if we talk the talk, we walk the walk).
“What are the potential long-term effects of excessive screen time on my child's development?”
Excessive screen time can have various long-term effects on children's physical, psychological, and social development. Physically, it may contribute to issues like poor posture, eye strain, and reduced physical activity. Psychologically, it can impact attention span, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Socially, over-reliance on digital interactions can hinder the development of face-to-face communication skills and empathy, crucial for forming healthy relationships.
“How do I navigate the challenges presented by social media?”
Social media presents unique challenges due to its pervasive influence on children. They may face pressures to maintain a curated online image, leading to anxiety and self-esteem issues. Cyberbullying is another concern that can affect their emotional well-being. It's essential to monitor their social media use, discuss online safety practices, and foster open communication about their digital experiences.
“What additional tips can help me support my child in the digital age?”
Stay informed about the latest digital platforms, games, and trends that your child engages with. Participate in their digital world by discussing the content they consume and setting appropriate boundaries. Promote family activities that don't involve screens to strengthen bonds and improve communication. Seek professional guidance if you notice significant behavioral changes or emotional difficulties in your child.
Conclusion
Understanding the impact of mobile phone usage, social media engagement, and gaming behaviours on children's emotional regulation, socialisation, and overall development is essential in today's digital age. By addressing these challenges through informed decision-making, proactive parenting strategies, and ongoing communication, parents can support their children in developing balanced digital habits. For personalised advice and further assistance, consider consulting a psychologist who specialises in child and family therapy. Together, we can ensure our children grow up with the skills and resilience needed to thrive in both digital and real-world environments. If you observe significant changes in your child's behaviour, emotional well-being, or academic performance related to digital engagement, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. A psychologist specialising in child development can provide personalised strategies and support to address specific concerns and promote healthy digital habits.
Helpful Apps to collaborate with the kids/teens
Use tech tools to help manage access There are robust products and device functions which allow you to see which apps are being used in your home and for how long. But try not to use these tools to secretly monitor your child. Instead, be open about the process and check the whole family’s usage, including your own. Start with Google Family Link for Android devices or parental controls and Screen Time for iPhone/iPad. You will have to create a ‘Family’ account to connect the kids/teens devices, in most cases, to your account so you can access and control the child's screen time.
Download our sample contract below for Tweens & Teens for ideas on what to create in collaboration.
References
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Hygen, B. W., Belskey, J., Stenseng, F., Skalicka, V., Kvande, M. N., Sahl-Thanem, T., & Wichstrom, L. (2020). Time spent gaming and social competence in children: Reciprocal effects across childhood. Child Development, 91(3), 861-875. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13243
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