Childhood has always adapted to the tools of its time — from chalkboards to smartphones. But in today’s world, where screens are constant companions, the question is no longer whether children will use technology, but how it will shape who they become. This is part four of a five-part series exploring the effects of children growing up in an era of rapid digital advancements, an era that offers opportunities beyond the horizon, yet poses significant threats when left unchecked.
Balancing the digital scales
WE often address the impact of digital footprints among children. While concerns such as sexual predators, cyberbullies, and other dangers are important aspects to note, the psychological factors affecting these children are equally significant.
A kindergarten teacher of over a decade, Chan revealed that children exposed to digital devices at a young age often lag behind in attention span, social skills, and imaginative play compared to those who grow up exploring the real world before the digital one.
“When compared to children from a decade ago, those exposed to digital spaces today often show a lack of focus in class.
They also have problems with their motor skills, shown in their inability to hold a pencil and write well. Many of them are also no longer interested in nursery rhymes, but instead sing songs they learn over the internet,” she lamented.
A multifaceted problem
Discussing the effects of children growing up in the digital era, 20DB Therapy Tree clinical psychologist Amy Yao stressed that the impact can be significant and multifaceted on a child’s brain development and emotional maturity.
“While the use of digital platforms can bring vast benefits, excessive and unregulated screen time is associated with several concerns,” she explained.
The imbalanced or excessive use of technology, particularly digital platforms and screens, can lead to a range of long-term psychological risks. Yao outlined some of these risks, which include:
Mental Health Disorders
- Increased Anxiety and Depression: Constant social comparisons on social media, cyberbullying, and fear of missing out (FOMO) can significantly contribute to feelings of inadequacy, sadness, and persistent worry.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Over-reliance on screens for comfort or entertainment can hinder the development of a child’s coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions. This can lead to increased emotional reactivity, tantrums, and difficulty self-soothing without a device.
- Addiction: Excessive use of digital platforms can lead to behavioural addiction, manifested through an inability to control usage, constant preoccupation with technology, withdrawal symptoms when access is denied, and continued use despite negative consequences (eg deteriorating relationships or declining academic performance).
- Body Image Issues: Image-focused social media platforms can fuel negative body image and disordered eating behaviours due to exposure to idealised, often unrealistic body types.
- Sleep Disturbances: Prolonged exposure to blue light, particularly before bedtime, disrupts circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin production.
Cognitive Impairments
- Attention Deficits: Rapid stimulation, constant notifications, and multitasking on digital platforms can “re-wire” the brain for rapid attention shifts rather than sustained focus, resulting in reduced attention span, poor sustained focus, and increased impulsivity.
- Executive Function Deficits: Excessive screen time can impede the development of self-regulation, planning, organisation, and working memory.
- Information Overload and Mental Fog: Constant exposure to vast amounts of information can cause mental fatigue, difficulty processing information, and a general sense of “brain fog”.
Identity and Self-Perception Issues
- Identity Confusion: Continuous exposure to idealised online personas makes it harder for adolescents to form a genuine sense of self, leading to pressure to present an inauthentic version of themselves online.
- Low Self-Esteem: Relentless comparisons with others on social media can erode self-esteem and foster a “not good enough” mindset.
Social and Relational Challenges
- Social Isolation and Loneliness: Heavy technology use can replace face-to-face interactions, leading to loneliness and isolation, even with large online networks.
- Relationship Strain: Prioritising screen time over real-life relationships can cause family and friendship conflicts, reduced intimacy, and communication breakdowns.
- Reduced Empathy and Social Skills: Online interactions lack non-verbal cues essential for empathy and social understanding.
- Desensitisation: Exposure to violent or inappropriate content online can distort reality and cause dangerous desensitisation to suffering and threats in the real world.
Balancing the best of both worlds
It is a two-way street — many parents rely on technology as both a babysitter and an educational tool. Yao acknowledged this reality, noting that in today’s increasingly digital world, it is virtually impossible to eliminate screens altogether. The key, she said, lies in striking a healthy balance.
To balance the best of both worlds, Yao advised parents to:
Be intentional, not reactive, about digital use: Parents should clarify the purpose of allowing their child to use devices — for learning, entertainment, connection, or simply as a break. Being intentional with the “why” helps guide choices on content and duration (quality over quantity). Whenever possible, parents should suggest alternative activities before handing over a device.
Set clear and consistent boundaries: Establish “screen-free zones and times” (eg mealtimes, bedrooms, before bed, during homework) and reasonable daily limits based on age.
Co-view with the child: Join children when they are using educational apps or watching shows. This fosters quality interaction while allowing supervision of content.
Educate and empower children: Teach children the reasons behind screen-time rules, and discuss online safety, privacy, cyberbullying, and responsible online behaviour. As children grow, gradually empower them to manage their own screen time responsibly.
Moving forward digitally, parents can also navigate digital literacy with their children to ensure a healthy digital ecosystem where they can thrive amid technological advancement.
“As it is neither possible nor advantageous to completely avoid technology in today’s evolving world, it is crucial for parents to equip their children with the skills to thrive in this increasingly digital society,” she said.
This involves nurturing digital literacy and digital citizenship — skills that go beyond simply using a device, such as:
Modelling healthy digital behaviour: Parents should be mindful of their own screen use (eg explaining usage, scheduling digital detoxes, and prioritising quality family time).
Facilitating open communication and trust: Maintain ongoing conversations about technology, create a safe non-judgmental space for questions or online experiences, and show genuine interest in their digital activities.
Establishing clear expectations: Involve children in creating a family plan for device use, explaining rules (eg screen-free zones, age-appropriate limits, consistent consequences). This builds accountability for everyone.
Teaching critical thinking: Encourage evaluation of online content reliability, explain how algorithms shape feeds, and help children prioritise quality, age-appropriate apps and shows.
Cultivating digital citizenship: Teach responsible, ethical technology use — from respecting privacy and intellectual property to treating others with empathy and kindness online.
As screens become more woven into daily life, the challenge is no longer whether a child can go online, but how prepared they are when they do. The digital age is here to stay, but childhood does not have to disappear with it. The true task lies in raising a generation that can embrace technology without losing the focus, creativity, and human connection that no device can replace.
Signs of addiction in children
By Amy Yao, clinical psychologist
Watching out for signs of screen or digital addiction in children is crucial for parents, as early intervention can make a significant difference. Here are some key behavioural, emotional/psychological, and physical signs parents can look out for:
Behavioural Signs:
1.Loss of control over usage
- Difficulty stopping screen use even when asked
- Repeated failed attempts to cut down or set limits independently
- Sneaking devices, lying to caregivers about screen time, or hiding usage
- Becoming agitated, irritable, or having meltdowns when asked to stop or when devices are unavailable (withdrawal symptoms)
2.Neglecting other activities and responsibilities
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies, sports, or creative play
- Prioritising screen time over homework, chores, personal hygiene, or family meals
- Declining academic performance or lack of focus at school
3.Preoccupation with screens
- Constantly talking or thinking about screens, games, or online content even when not using devices
- Heightened eagerness or obsession to engage with digital devices
- Using devices as the primary (or only) way to cope with boredom, stress, or negative emotions
4.Changes in social interactions and communication
- Withdrawing socially or isolating from friends and family
- Strong preference for online interactions over face-to-face communication
- Refusal to participate in family activities or social gatherings (due to screen use)
- Increasing conflicts with family members, specifically related to screen use
Emotional/Psychological Signs:
1.Changes in mood
- Mood swings or sudden agitation
- Increased irritability, frustration, anger, or sadness, especially when not using screens
- Feelings of depression or anxiety when not engaged with devices
2.Heavy reliance on devices for mood regulation
Using screens to escape from feelings, problems, or reality
Needing screens to feel happy, calm, or entertained
3.Anxiety or restlessness
- Showing signs of anxiety or restlessness when unable to access digital content or devices
- Experiencing “fear of missing out” (FOMO) on online activities or social updates
Physical Signs:
1.Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty falling asleep, irregular sleep schedules, or staying up late due to screen use
- Chronic fatigue or daytime sleepiness
2.Physical discomfort
- Eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, or headaches
- Neck or back pain from poor posture
- Wrist pain or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
3.Neglect of basic needs
- Skipping meals or having irregular eating patterns
- Neglecting personal hygiene (eg, not showering or changing clothes)
