Children and teenagers are growing up in an increasingly digital environment, and the impacts of this scenario go beyond the simple number of hours spent in front of screens. According to new guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, simply imposing limits on screen time is no longer enough to protect young people’s sleep, learning and mental health.
The document, released this week and cited by ABC News, reflects an important change in pediatrics’ approach to the use of digital technologies. The entity states that the current digital environment is very different from that of a decade ago, when the main concern was too much television.
Today, children live with social networks, auto-playing videos, online games, educational platforms and applications designed to keep the user engaged for as long as possible.
Impacts on sleep, learning and mental health
According to the AAP, intense and misguided use of digital devices has been associated with sleep problems, difficulties concentrating, a drop in academic performance and an increase in symptoms linked to anxiety and depression, especially among older children and adolescents.
Studies analyzed by the entity indicate that the use of screens before bed is related to shorter sleep duration and worse quality, which directly affects memory, mood and learning capacity. Experts also note that constant exposure to notifications and fast-paced content can harm sustained attention and cognitive development.
In the field of mental health, pediatricians warn that social networks and digital platforms can intensify social comparisons, feelings of exclusion and emotional stress, especially when there is no adult support.
Why screen time is no longer the only criterion
According to the new guidance, simple time tracking does not reflect the complexity of today’s digital environment. The AAP highlights that there are significant differences between types of use: watching educational content with parents, for example, does not have the same impact as passive and prolonged video consumption or excessive use of social networks without supervision.
Experts say that the focus should now be on the quality of the content, the context of use and the individual impact on each child, and not just counting minutes.
The entity also recognizes that strict rules can generate family conflicts and even make dialogue between parents and children about the digital world difficult.
New recommendations for families
- Among the main guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics are:
- Go beyond the clock: observe how the child behaves after using screens — whether he sleeps well, maintains good school performance and healthy social relationships.
- Parental participation: monitor what their children consume, use media together with them and talk about content seen online.
- Balanced routines: ensure that the use of screens does not replace adequate sleep, physical activity, reading and in-person social interaction.
- Family media plans: Create flexible rules tailored to the child’s age, rather than generic limits that are the same for everyone.
The AAP reinforces that devices should not be used as a substitute for human interaction, especially in early childhood, a crucial phase for emotional and social development.
Platforms are also responsible
In addition to the role of families, the report points out that technology companies and public policy makers also have a responsibility in creating a safer digital environment. The entity advocates more transparency in algorithms, data protection of children and adolescents and effective parental control tools.
For AAP, the challenge is not to eliminate technology from childhood, but to integrate it in a healthy and conscious way.
The consensus among pediatricians is that the digital world is part of children’s lives and cannot be ignored. However, the new guidance makes it clear that limiting screen time alone no longer addresses current challenges. Attention must focus on the content, context and effects of digital use on children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
