Preventing Problematic Technology Use

Question: How do I prevent problematic technology use? 

Answer: First, we need to be able to describe “problematic technology use”. One way to think about this term is using technology in ways that may have social and physical impacts; for example, prioritizing technology use so much that an adolescent doesn’t interact with friends or family offline, or being on their phone so late into the evening that a teen falls asleep in class. 

Preventing problematic technology use involves three approaches: balance, boundaries and communication: 

• Balance: Figuring out the right balance between online and offline time is an important  topic for discussions with your child and for your family. There is no evidence for a universal screen time limit that applies to every child. However, families can discuss which approaches might be appropriate to ensure children get adequate sleep, daily physical activity, time for play and reading and discovery, time with people they care about and time to focus on learning without multitasking.  
• Boundaries: Boundaries refers to setting limits around what youth are willing to display about themselves online or on social media, as well as setting limits on where youth spend their time online or when using tech. Discussing guidelines on what types of personal information are not appropriate to post on social media sites with your child can help prevent them from several online safety risks. These risks include being targets of bullying, unwanted solicitation or embarrassment. It is also important to talk about spaces to avoid, and what to do if unwanted or inappropriate information comes up when your child is online. 
• Communication: Just as with other core areas of child health, parents should discuss social media and technology with their children early and often. It is okay if you don’t know the ins and outs of each platform your child uses, your role is to create a space where your child feels comfortable coming to you with concerns and experiences using technology. Establishing home rules for social media and technology use as soon as your child begins using these tools is an important way to promote healthy technology use from the start.  

One approach for prevention and intervention to promote healthy technology use is the Family Media Use Plan. The Family Media Plan includes options for rules and guidance around balance and boundaries and can be a tool to promote positive communication.  

If you are concerned that your child might be struggling with problematic technology use, see our previous response on this topic. 

Age: 10-17, early adolescence, middle adolescence 

Topics: Problematic technology use, screening, adolescents 

Role: Parent/Caregiver