By Elena Odysseos Iosif, president of the European Parents’ Association
We are living in a time of extraordinary digital innovation and the digital age has brought about remarkable advancements. Technology offers incredible opportunities for learning, connection, and progress. It is transforming professional curricula, education, communication, and even how families interact. Never before have young people had such unprecedented access to information, tools for self-expression, and platforms for civic engagement. Technology holds the potential to bridge divides, foster innovation, and enable greater participation in democratic life. And yet, alongside these opportunities, we face significant and complex challenges.
Unfortunately, the indiscriminate invasion of digital technology in the lives and education of our children brought about a series of problems with adverse effects. Managing screen addiction is a growing concern for many parents. While technology can be educational and entertaining, excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s health, development, and social skills.
TVs, tablets, smartphones, and laptops are part of everyday life and scientists around the world are extremely worried by the use of digital media and screens, even from the first months of a child’s life. This has very serious consequences both on children’s natural development and, in particular, on the development of the child’s brain, which is very vulnerable. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that even after the age of 2, children continue to develop cognitive, language, sensory-motor and socio-emotional skills, which require exploration and contact with the real world, rather than the artificial world of multimedia. The use of digital devices, e.g. phones or tablets, to keep the child occupied or calmed, can affect the normal development of the brain and leads to problems, especially on their self-regulation and on managing their emotions. The AAP prevents the use of devices and screens for children under 2 and sets strict limits for older children (2016). The Spanish Pediatric Association (SPA), based on new research in 2024, raises the age limit from 2 to 6 years. Children in the early years need digital-free zones at least until they move on to primary school, where they’ll be offered the learning experiences that will follow their cognitive development.
A major issue is also the galloping adoption of Digital Technology in education, both at school and at home. Unfortunately, in many households, screens are used to calm, entertain, or distract children, making them emotional crutches. At the moment, there is a rapidly increasing volume of scientific studies highlighting the direct and indirect negative impacts of the uncontrolled use of digital technology on children’s knowledge, development, behavior and well-being. A review of 28 studies (2013-2023) on children and adolescents (0-18 years) indicated that digital addiction exerts harmful effects on brain structure, development, brain functionality and learning. Particularly worrying is the use of social media before the age of 16. They overstimulate the brain’s reward system, creating a cycle of instant gratification that leads to the search for constant stimulation, reducing impulse control, decision-making skills, and resistance to other addictions. Uncontrolled use of social media is closely linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and loneliness, especially with heavy use of social media or video games. In addition to that, the overexposure to social comparison and cyberbullying can deeply affect self-image.
Digital Technology has remarkable potential, but the uncontrolled digital transformation of our society could cause serious and irreversible cognitive damage to the new generation. In order to reduce the adverse impact of digital devices, we get informed by reliable sources e.g. doctors/researchers, we create a family culture/plan on the use of technology and we train children from the first years of their lives in its management. Too much screen time can affect children’s sleep, behavior, social skills, and academic performance. Maturity and Digital Literacy are crucial elements for children to actively use digital media in a responsible way instead of being stressed and especially being manipulated by them. Depending on the age and the developmental stage of the child, it is necessary to carefully select applications/devices and define time and spatial rules and limits, as well as control of the content. Coping with children’s screen addiction can be challenging, but with a consistent, balanced approach, you can gradually help them regain control.
Identifying the signs
It is very important that parents understand the signs of Screen Addiction early. Parents should have in mind that not every child who loves video games or YouTube is addicted but recognizing these early signs is crucial to addressing the issue before it escalates. Screens are indeed part of our daily lives, but when they start to replace sleep, outdoor play, and offline interaction, it’s time to take action. Warning signs include:
- Irritability or mood swings when asked to stop using screens
- Loss of interest in offline activities
- Skipping homework, chores, or meals for being online/screen time
- Social withdrawal or decreased face-to-face interactions
When parents identify that their child is screen addicted then they must take immediate action. Is very important to set clear boundaries and consistent limits. Parents should create screen time rules that are age-appropriate, comprehensive and consistent. There are some tools like parental controls and screen timers that can help to monitor and limit usage, to enforce these limits gently but firmly (Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link, or third-party apps (e.g., Qustodio, Bark). The best control however is parent control meaning that you intervene as a parent/caregiver/guardian and keep the digital device(s) with you (locked away if need be) as parental control systems on the device can be overcome by tech savvy children. It’s important that parents encourage healthier activities and most importantly communicate effectively with their children. Above all, Seek Help When Needed. If screen use causes major mood changes, sleep problems, academic decline, or social withdrawal, consider speaking with a child psychologist or counselor. Therapy can help address underlying emotional needs and develop healthier habits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- For children under 2: Avoid screens except for video chatting (only if it is necessary)
- For ages 2–5: No more than 1 hour per day of high-quality programs (some researchers now even recommend no screens for this age group as well)
- For ages 6 and up: Consistent limits that ensure screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or real-life interactions
What actually pushes children to become addicted with screens? Understand the Root Cause!
The underdeveloped Prefrontal Cortex, which controls impulse regulation, attention, and decision-making, is not fully developed in children (It actually doesn’t fully develop until the age of 25!). This makes it harder for them to self-regulate screen time. They’re more vulnerable to instant gratification and have less ability to delay reward. Variable rewards, that are actually gratification tokens that are used in the Hook Model and delivered intermittently, are meant to keep users repeating the same action in the hope of another reward. This reward system is powerful for driving attention, focus, and repeated action (e.g. addiction to Gambling) and that’s why many apps and games use intermittent reinforcement, where rewards are unpredictable and that is a powerful behavioral hook. (This mirrors how slot machines work and create compulsive engagement). Algorithms are designed to maximize engagement by delivering content that aligns with user preferences. This keeps kids locked into echo chambers of content that they find pleasurable or stimulating. The infinite scroll or autoplay features remove stopping cues. Moreover, the lack of alternative stimuli is another factor leading kids to turn to digital devices out of boredom or lack of stimulation, as modern lifestyles may lack free outdoor playtime, or social interaction.
The following are important points that explain why children become addicted to digital technology and screens:
Emotional escape: Kids often turn to screens to manage boredom, loneliness, stress, or anxiety.
Social influence: Many children feel pressure to stay connected via social media or games.
Stimulation: Fast-paced content and games can be highly addictive and hard to replace with less stimulating alternatives.
Children often become “addicted” to digital technology due to a combination of neurological, psychological, social, environmental and design-driven factors. While “addiction” in a clinical sense is debated, many of the mechanisms involved are similar to those in substance use disorders. The main reasons are stated as follows:
- Brain Chemistry and Instant Gratification – Dopamine Reward System
Digital technology — especially video games, social media, and short-form videos — stimulates the dopaminergic system, releasing dopamine, the brain’s “reward” chemical, especially during achievements or surprises. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in reward, pleasure, and motivation. Likes, rewards, wins, and surprises trigger dopamine spikes and encourage repetition and habitual use. These repeated surges condition the brain to seek out more of the behavior, forming habit loops.
- Designed to Be Engaging – Persuasive tech: Apps and games use techniques like notifications, infinite scroll, and variable rewards to keep users engaged.
Gamification: Points, badges, and levels make technology feel rewarding and goal-driven.
- Social Factors – Peer pressure: Children are especially sensitive to peer approval and social comparison. The Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) on conversations or trends reinforces constant checking. Children want to be where their friends are—often online. The Social Validation and the FOMO are important factors and social media amplifies anxiety around being left out or falling behind. Social platforms give external validation (likes, followers, streaks), which can be addictive to them.
- Lack of Alternatives or Boundaries – Limited outdoor or creative play: With fewer offline options, screens become the default entertainment.
Parental modeling: Children often mimic adults’ screen habits.
Inconsistent rules: Without clear screen-time limits, overuse can become the norm.
- Escapism and Emotional Regulation – Escape from stress: Technology can offer a distraction from school, social problems, or boredom.
Emotional soothing: Screens are sometimes used to manage emotions like anxiety, sadness, or frustration.
In other words, screen addiction has serious consequences for children’s physical, mental and psychological health such as:
Physical Health Effects like:
- Poor sleep quality due to blue light exposure and overstimulation.
- Obesity risk from sedentary behavior and snacking during screen time.
- Potential for vision problems (e.g., digital eye strain or myopia progression).
Social Development Issues
- Less time for face-to-face interactions, which are critical for learning empathy, body language, and emotional cues.
- May lead to isolation or dependency on online validation.
Behavioral Problems
- Increased irritability or aggression when screen time is interrupted (similar to withdrawal).
- Resistance to non-digital activities like outdoor play or family time.
What could Parents do?
Parents should encourage screen-free activities and help their children to discover non-digital hobbies. Is extremely important that parents are actively involved in these activities to encourage offline fun. In this way they can actually prove to their children that fun doesn’t have to be on a screen and that the analogue world is more amusing than the digital world. It is important to make them realize that balance is the key. They should also bear in mind that small changes make a big impact! They can help their kids understand that screens aren’t bad—but overuse can be. It’s a lot better to discuss the benefits and risks of screen time with their children and help them understand that too much screen time can affect their health and relationships. Parents should encourage an open dialogue to build trust and give the child(ren) a voice in setting limits. They should expect resistance and they should be ready to adapt their approach. They should also focus on progress rather than perfection. Change won’t happen overnight so celebrate small victories along the way.
In brief parents should:
- Focus on habits, not punishment
- Replace, don’t just restrict
- Have open conversations about how screens make them feel.
- Collaborate with kids on setting goals (“Let’s try one screen-free afternoon a week and see how it goes”)
- Involve kids in setting rules (set up and sign an agreement)
- Clearly explain the reasons for the rules, not just the rules themselves.
- Set clear, consistent limits
- Discuss why limits matter
- Be patient and flexible
Help your child rediscover hobbies they once enjoyed or explore new ones together. Let them choose meaningful offline activities—they need ownership, not just orders. Such activities might be:
- Reading, drawing, storytelling, role-play or crafts
- Outdoor play and sports (biking, hiking, team sports, swimming, dance, etc.)
- Board games, puzzles, memory games, mindfulness exercises
- Music, Family cooking or gardening
- “Tech-free challenges” or digital detox weekends as a family.
- Social events, or creative projects.
On the other hand, parents should be a Role Model and “practice what they preach” as children tend to imitate what they see. If they spend excessive time on their phone or watching TV, their children are likely to do the same. When kids see their parents balancing screen use, they’re more likely to follow. On the other hand, if parents are frequently on devices, kids learn it’s acceptable.
Habits that parents could adopt to model healthy digital behavior could be:
- Hold their phones as little as possible when they are around their children
- Putting away devices during meals
- Having regular screen-free family time
- Avoiding screens before bedtime (Screens before bed disrupt melatonin and sleep cycles)
The importance of digital Parenting
Parents play a pivotal role in achieving positive outcomes in raising children in today’s world. They are the cornerstone of their children’s well-being, learning, growth and overall development. They play a big part in helping kids build healthy habits around screen time and digital technology—they’re really the foundation when it comes to their children’s focus and balance in life. When parents set clear boundaries, model good screen habits themselves, and stay involved in how their kids use technology, it makes a huge difference. Whether it’s encouraging device-free family time, having open conversations about online content, or setting tech-free zones at home, those small actions add up. The more connected parents are with their kids offline, the better chance they have of guiding them through the digital world in a healthy, mindful way and thrive online.
In a world full of digital distractions, parents truly are the bridge between technology and healthy development. When they stay involved and aware of how technology is being used at home, kids are more likely to build a healthier relationship with their devices. It’s not about banning screens completely—but about teaching kids how to use them wisely and in moderation.
Parents and children as a team could:
- Create a daily schedule and designate
- certain areas of your home as screen-free (e.g. bedrooms to secure better sleep, the dining table, the car)
- certain times as screen/tech free. (e.g. the first hour after waking up, during meals, before bedtime, homework hours, during car rides to promote conversation and observation)
- Use Technology Together – rather than banning screens altogether, engage with their children using technology
- Watch educational shows together
- Play video games as a team
- Explore creative apps (like music, art, or coding tools)
- Co-viewing – helps parents understand what children are exposed to and fosters a shared experience
- Promote active screen use (e.g., coding, art, video creation) over passive consumption
- Watch or play together—co-viewing helps children understand and process content critically
- Talk about what they’re watching or playing and ask why they enjoy it
- Guide them to recognize when technology enhances vs. detracts from their mood or life.
- Set a “digital sunset” 1–2 hours before bedtime – Replace screens with relaxing routines.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—and for many kids, they’re hard to put down. From social media and gaming to endless streaming and scrolling, technology can easily take over more hours than we realize. That’s why parents play such a big role in shaping healthy habits and preventing digital overload. Managing screen time is not about punishment—it’s about creating balance. With structure, communication and support, parents can help their children to build a healthy relationship with technology. The goal isn’t to eliminate or cut off screens completely, but to guide children towards healthy habits that last and make sure they enhance, rather than dominate children’s life. At the end of the day, it’s not about fighting against technology—it’s about guiding our kids to use it in a way that supports their growth and learning, not hinders it. As parents, we don’t need to have all the answers, but our presence, consistency, and care make a lasting impact. By setting healthy boundaries, staying engaged, and leading by example, we help our children develop the tools they need to navigate the digital world with confidence and balance. After all, the most important connection they’ll ever have isn’t Wi-Fi, smart phones, tablets, computers or social media—it’s with us.
EXAMPLE of a DRAFT AGREEMENT
I, [Child’s Name], agree to the following:
Screen Time Limits
Weekdays: ___ minutes/day
Weekends: ___ minutes/day
No screens after ___ PM.
Device-Free Zones
No screens during:
☐ Meals
☐ Homework
☐ Family Time
☐ 1 hour before bed
☐ In the bedroom
Approved Activities
Fun (e.g., games): _____________
Learning (e.g., Khan Academy, Duolingo): _____________
Creative (e.g., drawing, video making): _____________
Earned Screen Time
I can earn extra screen time by:
Reading for ___ minutes = ___ minutes screen time
Helping around the house
Outdoor play or exercise
Consequences for Overuse
First time: Warning
Second time: Lose screen for ___
Ongoing issues: Custom consequence agreed by parent
Family Goals
One tech-free day each week: ___ (e.g., Sunday)
Family game or activity night: ___
SIGNATURES
Child: _______________________
Parent/Guardian: _______________________
Date: _______________________
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