Screen time these holidays doesn’t need to be a bad thing

With five weeks of school summer holidays (that’s around 25 days of weekday activities to organize), being online is a major attraction for most kids and a concern for most parents and caregivers.

The question is, how can kids make the most of technology, reaping the benefits of staying social while also staying safe?

The psychological impact of social and other online media, like video games, can be alarming.

American social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt’s recent book “The Anxious Generation” connects the rise of the “smartphone age” and social media use with the rapid increase in anxiety and depression rates among young people.

The book has mobilized politicians nationally to support an aged-based social media ban.

The concern is compelling: 80% of Australians surveyed support the ban, and 60% of parents cite social media as the biggest threat to their children’s mental health. In some cases, the risk is real and outweighs any benefits.

There is certainly a need for stronger regulation of the distribution of dangerous content and greater accountability from social media companies.

It’s important to note though, that on the whole, the coincidence of young people’s online presence and mental health issues is partly just that—a coincidence.

Adolescent mental health is far more complex than this simple linking suggests, with extensive research demonstrating that social media is only a relatively small contributor to mental health concerns.

Young people face a range of stressors including eco-anxiety about climate change, global conflicts and economic instability that understandably are also impacting their mental health.

There is no doubt that particularly during long holiday breaks, the effects of cyberbullying, social media overuse, gaming addiction, sexting, privacy issues and misinformation disproportionately impact vulnerable young people.

However, it’s important we don’t lose sight of the significant benefits technology can offer for youth mental health and well-being.

For example, along with the small associations with depression and anxiety, social media use is positively associated with improved social well-being.

Social connection and belonging

While we often think of the elderly as lonely, it’s young adults who are in fact our loneliest generation.

Online connections are vital, particularly for those from marginalized or remote communities who may find it difficult to find like-minded friends in their everyday lives.

For many young people, online forums can provide a meaningful sense of connection and belonging, and online friendships can sometimes prove more stable than offline relationships.

Social media and gaming platforms can enable the formation of positive relationships and help define a young person’s social identity.

For example, in a large global study, video games were found to enhance teamwork and collaboration skills, creativity and reduce isolation and loneliness.

These online communities can serve as a buffer against alienation, bullying and prejudices people often face offline, creating a more inclusive space.

Access to mental health and well-being promotion resources

Technology has also transformed access to mental health resources for young people, a valuable tool for the holiday season when in-person services may be limited.

Smartphone apps, online forums and virtual support groups can offer confidential spaces for seeking help and accessing mental health information.

Self-management mental health apps like MoodMission and Wysa offer confidential support for people who may not otherwise seek help from mental health practitioners.

Many digital resources are designed to help young people better understand and monitor their mental health. Mood-tracking apps like MoodPrism or MindDoc, can help people recognize patterns and seek support when they need it.

Trusted professional mental health organizations host a range of online youth resources—in Australia, these include Reachout, headspace, Orygen’s Most, Beyond Blue and Head to Health.

Creativity and self-expression

With extra time over the holidays, many young people turn to digital tools for creative expression—exploring interests from video editing and music production to graphic design and coding.

These resources allow our youth to explore their interests, develop new skills and find outlets for emotional expression and personal growth.

A recent APRA report found that 54% of musicians agree that AI can support the creative process, although young people express the highest concerns about using AI for music creation.

Finding balance and embracing the digital generation

While it’s tempting to consider strict rules on social media during long holidays, these decisions need to be balanced with the risk of denying young people the opportunity to develop essential digital skills and resilience.

It also removes the autonomy of a generation that is educated, equity-focused and made up of global citizens.

If used the right way, social media can in fact enhance the autonomy of adolescents by helping them engage in self-directed behaviors and experience a sense of choice and personal agency.

Bans are also difficult to implement and may risk more harm than good, cutting off important connections without alternative support.

If you are concerned about how much time the young people in your care are spending online—particularly if you think it is affecting their sleep, opportunities for exercise and socializing with family or friends—then talk to them.

The eSafety Commission advises that strict hourly limits are difficult as “too much online time” depends on the age and makeup of each child, and the quality of their online interactions.

If you’re worried, talk to your young person about what they’re doing online.

Think about what alternatives you can offer them (even if it’s playing video games with them) and make sure also that you’re setting a good example by not being online yourself all the time.

Ask them what they want to do during their holiday time and involve them in a family plan that gives them something to look forward to and some choice.

Involving young people in the conversation and empowering them as active participants in shaping a healthier digital environment, can help create a safer online environment.

They are, after all, intrinsically motivated to create safer and healthier environments to protect their own well-being.

By promoting evidence-based best practices and encouraging open conversations, we can empower young people to make informed decisions.

Ultimately, the solution lies in creating a balanced approach.

Embrace the positive role technology can play in youth mental health while addressing its potential risks.

By supporting young people as they navigate the digital world mindfully and safely, we can help them enjoy the best aspects of technology these summer holidays while staying connected, supported and safe.