There’s no denying that being online can have negative effects, for adults and children. At the same time, we are living in a digital age where being online has become threaded into our everyday lives with various effects, some positive and some not so much.
For us adults, some of our work locations have changed because of remote work. Parenting and the decisions we are faced with is different now than it was even ten or fifteen years ago, and school is more connected. Meanwhile, our children are logging into Google Classroom and researching online before they go to the library, all while their device use is supposed to be reduced.
These aren’t statements of good or bad, just facts; our world is connected. It’s a nuanced conversation, one that can’t be settled by simply banning social media or device use. There are plenty of reasons to reduce screen time for adults and children and to find healthy, mindful ways to engage online and step away from it. But first, it’s important to understand what kids are using tech for.
Looking at data, not just vibes
A Mediasmarts Life Online survey from their 2021 study Young Canadians in a Wireless World collected over 1000 responses from Canadian youth in Grade 4-11 with fascinating results. While it’s likely not shocking to parents, teachers and guardians that 77% of youth have a smartphone, it may be surprising to read that nearly half are concerned that they may be spending too much time online.
That self-awareness and concern could be in part because parents and kids are more willing to openly talk about these decisions and how they are feeling. That’s a high number of youth who, while using online devices, are also questioning what a healthy digital presence should look like. We can’t help but wonder if they are sharing not only their own self-perception but if they are projecting their own frustrations and worries about their parents’ screen time too.
However, youth aren’t necessarily looking to ditch their phones.
The social element of being online reigns, with 97% of the respondents using their device to stay in touch with family and friends (if you have a tween or teen with a phone, you know this is accurate), but also 70% make plans with their friends on it.
The devices have become entwined with a youth’s social life which is likely why it also becomes such a sticking point when parents want to reduce their child’s access.
I found the Life Online stats interesting, and would be curious how it’s changed in the past four years. With new school board policies requiring less school use, but a lot of uncertainty around social media sites like TikTok, are these trends changing? MediaSmarts will be starting Phase V of the Young Canadians in a Wireless World study in 2026, and I can’t wait to see the findings.
Parents, it’s a different era for us as we support our children in the digital age. Understanding how kids themselves are feeling about devices and screen time will help us open up more conversations with them.
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