Kids and Digital Media: Researchers Discuss the Impact, Risks and Benefits

Children and teenagers are constantly exposed to digital media such as websites, social media, apps, and video games. For parents and guardians, helping kids navigate these types of technology is complex and difficult.

In this first of a two-part series, University at Buffalo researchers Stephanie Fredrick, PhD, Associate Director, Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention, and Associate Professor, Counseling, School and Educational Psychology, Graduate School of Education, and Amanda Nickerson, PhD, Director, Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention, and Distinguished Professor, Counseling, School and Educational Psychology, Graduate School of Education, explore the impact of digital media on kids and discuss some of the key risks and benefits. (Part two of this story will run in our November/December issue.)

What does recent research tell us about the impact of digital media use on children and teenagers?

Stephanie Fredrick: Research shows that digital media can have both positive and negative effects on children and teens. It really depends on how it is used, how much time is spent, and the individual child. For younger kids, excessive screen time — especially passive activities like watching TV — is linked to weaker cognitive and social development. However, the overall impact of screen time on development is relatively small, and factors like a child’s temperament, family environment, and opportunities for play and learning away from screens make a big difference. Parenting practices also matter. For example, relying on screens to calm children or using devices constantly in front of them can contribute to negative outcomes.

For pre-teens and teens, research shows not all young people are affected in the same way. Risks are greater when use involves endless scrolling, frequent comparisons, or exposure to harmful content. This can increase stress, anxiety, sleep problems, or depressed moods. More than half of preteens (ages 9 to 12) are already on social media, often using platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, even though most of these apps are officially restricted to ages 13 and up.

Are there some benefits to kids using digital media?

Fredrick: While digital media can sometimes be harmful, it can also offer benefits for both children and teenagers. Active games and apps (e.g., Dance, Dance Revolution) can promote healthier habits, and co-viewing and co-playing with your child is associated with positive outcomes, such as improved cognitive skills. Watching educational content (e.g., Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger) tends to have positive effects. Some companies are also adding tools to connect teens with expert support and block harmful content. Digital spaces provide social benefits as well, and can help young people stay connected, express themselves, and feel a greater sense of belonging.

What are the risks associated with kids using digital media and how can parents address these risks?

Amanda Nickerson: There are several risks associated with digital media use, including problematic internet use, which includes excessive/addictive online gaming, problematic social media use, and cyberbullying. The American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that a child may be engaging in problematic technology use if they use devices in ways that negatively impact their life, such as significant loss of sleep, weight loss/gain, failing classes or skipping school, or withdrawing from friends and family. It is important for parents to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a problem. These include being preoccupied with the Internet, needing to spend more time online to achieve the same amount of satisfaction, attempts to stop using the Internet, becoming irritable or depressed when time on the Internet is limited, staying online longer than intended, risking school or relationships to use the Internet, lying about time spent online, and using the Internet to regulate mood. With regard to cyberbullying, if a child quickly switches out of apps or minimizes their screen when someone walks into the room, doesn't want to talk about what they are doing online or refuses to let their parents see their social media accounts, has multiple accounts (or "burner" profiles or fake usernames), engages in aggression or is overly critical or dismissive of others in real-life interactions, and/or is overly preoccupied with their social status, they may be a higher risk for cyberbullying others. Many of these same signs, especially being secretive about using their device, could also mean they are being cyberbullied, especially if they are upset when on their device, do not want to go to school, have changes in eating and sleeping habits, and lose interest in things they used to like to do.

How can parents stay on top of what their kids are up to on their devices?

Nickerson: Having ongoing conversations with children about their online behavior and activities helps parents know what their child is doing online. Keeping it positive and showing genuine interest in what they are doing, instead of interrogating or investigating, is best. Questions such as, “What’s your favorite video game?” or “Who do you follow on Instagram?” can show interest and help parents learn more about how their children are using their devices. There are also parental controls for smartphones or through apps that help manage content, privacy, and monitor usage. There are many resources that can guide parents in how to do this, such as Internet Matters and ConnectSafely.org. Common Sense Media also provides advice and guidance on age-appropriate content and digital media literacy.

Watch the November/December issue of Buffalo Research News for part two of this series, in which Drs. Fredrick and Nickerson discuss cyberbullying, explore how parents can work with their kids to set realistic expectations for digital media use, and share some helpful tips for developing healthy habits.