Teens and Screens
- Dr. Jo Ann Unger, C. Psych.
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
If navigating a young child’s access to the internet feels challenging, doing the same for a teenager can seem completely overwhelming. Research shows that excessive, problematic, or “passive” screen use is associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, reduced self-esteem, a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and problems at school. On the other hand, access to the internet can provide teens with useful information and help them connect with and feel supported by others in similar life situations. This can be particularly helpful for teens in unique and challenging circumstances such as having a rare disability. Teens are on the cusp of adulthood and yearn to find their own community, especially if they are from equity deserving groups. The internet and social media can provide some connection and support. Some screen activities are also downright fun and entertaining. Participating in these activities is fine and can even be beneficial, if it is done in balance with the rest of life and done safely.
Screen use becomes problematic if teens find themselves constantly online or neglecting other important areas of life such as in-person relationships, schoolwork, and physical activity. While banning the internet outright can be tempting for caregivers, it is not actually recommended. This can lead to hidden use and teens not feeling trustworthy or mature enough to be online. But unlimited use is not the answer. Teen’s brains are not yet fully developed and most cannot manage their screen use independently; honestly a lot of adults cannot manage their own screen use well either. At all ages, it is recommended that caregivers keep an eye out for signs of overuse. These signs include not engaging in regular in-person social and physical activities, grades dropping, or struggling to complete the tasks of daily living. Difficulties sleeping or reduced hours of sleep are also something to watch because youth’s bodies and brains are still growing and they may need more rest than they know.
While this may seem like overstepping, it is important to monitor teen’s screen and social media use and continue to have conversations about appropriate device use. Caregivers should be available to answer questions and try to listen without judgement when these conversations happen. In the earliest phase of adolescence, it is ideal for caregivers to be on the same sites and apps as their teens to supervise them engaging safely. Many of the strategies, like role-modelling healthy screen use and validating difficult feelings regarding screen limits, from the above section, still apply to teens.
Here are some additional strategies that can be helpful for setting limits for teens and teaching them to Earn Screen Independence as they prove that they can handle more freedom in their screen use:
If you are setting new limits to screen use in the home, start with a conversation with your teen about why you are making the changes and clearly communicate what you need to see for them to earn more freedom eventually. Be prepared for protests: express empathy with their feelings, be open to some minor negotiation with a trial period but generally stick with the plan. You are the adult and you are doing this to support their healthy development and safety. They do not have to like it.
Consider limits in both the amount of screen time and type of screen content that is allowed. The younger they are and/or the more difficulty they have had managing on their own, the more restrictive these limits should be. For example, the youngest teens should not typically have independent social media accounts (as compared to most mid- to late-adolescents).
Set-up regular check-in opportunities with your teen to see how the plan is going and make adjustments as necessary. "
If they are managing the major areas of their lives well, have accepted and complied with the limits, there have been minimal online challenges such as excessive drama or safety concerns, and they have demonstrated online safety behaviours, more independence can be granted.
If things are not going well in any of the above areas, more restrictions may be needed.
Remember, our kids and teens need us to help them with their screen use. They cannot manage this on their own. While this is a relatively new area of parenting, we can use well-researched parenting strategies to guide us. Please see below for some additional resources. Also, if your organization or group is interested in learning more from Drs. Unger and Warren, please free to contact them to book a workshop or workshop series on the topic.
Additional Resources
Canadian Pediatric Society Digital Media Resources
American Pediatric Society Family Media Plan
Media Smarts: Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy
Age-Appropriate Viewing
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