As children grow up surrounded by technology, families and educators have an important job in helping them develop healthy digital habits. Digital tools can support learning and thinking skills, but they also bring challenges, such as overuse and exposure to inappropriate content. As technology changes, we need to keep learning how to guide young people to use it responsibly. This […]

The Impact of Technology on Children and Teenagers
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The Impact of Technology on Children and Teenagers

World Schools
The Impact of Technology on Children and Teenagers
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As children grow up surrounded by technology, families and educators have an important job in helping them develop healthy digital habits. Digital tools can support learning and thinking skills, but they also bring challenges, such as overuse and exposure to inappropriate content. As technology changes, we need to keep learning how to guide young people to use it responsibly.

This article examines both the benefits and risks of screen time, providing evidence-based strategies to help families and schools strike a balanced approach. You’ll also hear directly from schools with hands-on experience on this topic.

Il panorama tecnologico

Technology can enhance children’s development by improving cognitive skills, stimulating creativity, and supporting critical thinking. However, without clear boundaries and active family involvement, screen time can pose risks to a child’s health, well-being, and learning outcomes. A conscious approach to digital media use is essential, especially for younger children.
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Educating for Responsible Use
St Peter’s School, alongside families, takes on the responsibility of educating our students in the conscious and responsible use of devices and digital content. Last year, we initiated a reflection process on the impact of technology on the younger generations, the so-called digital natives, and the role that families and schools should play in their ethical and cognitive development. This process began with a roundtable discussion, during which several parents shared their concerns and offered several solutions and proposals. Based on their contributions, we reviewed and updated our device policy, adjusting it to the current concerns, challenges, and needs.
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st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Educating for Responsible Use
St Peter’s School, alongside families, takes on the responsibility of educating our students in the conscious and responsible use of devices and digital content. Last year, we initiated a reflection process on the impact of technology on the younger generations, the so-called digital natives, and the role that families and schools should play in their ethical and cognitive development. This process began with a roundtable discussion, during which several parents shared their concerns and offered several solutions and proposals. Based on their contributions, we reviewed and updated our device policy, adjusting it to the current concerns, challenges, and needs.
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Benefits of Technology for Children and Teenagers

When used thoughtfully, screens can support learning, digital skills, and family connection. Research shows that moderate screen use, especially with active parental guidance, can improve academic performance and social engagement.

Potential benefits include:

  • Family Connection: Engaging in discussions about technology can strengthen bonds.
  • Adolescent Well-being: Moderate screen use appears less harmful for older children, providing social interaction through digital platforms.
  • Cognitive Development: Educational games enhance skills like visual processing and literacy, enriching learning experiences.
  • Competency Advantage: Digital literacy is essential for future success, as students must navigate an evolving technological landscape.
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Potential Benefits
Research indicates that screen use can promote family bonding and cognitive development. Educational content can improve academic performance and stimulate creativity. Digital competence is increasingly crucial for success in today’s job market, equipping students with necessary skills for a tech-driven future.
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st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Potential Benefits
Research indicates that screen use can promote family bonding and cognitive development. Educational content can improve academic performance and stimulate creativity. Digital competence is increasingly crucial for success in today’s job market, equipping students with necessary skills for a tech-driven future.
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Risks of Technology in Childhood and Adolescence

Despite its benefits, excessive or unsupervised screen time, especially for younger children, can harm health and development. Being aware of these risks is the first step toward a balanced digital lifestyle. The authorities recommend age-based limits to support balanced media use:
  • Vietato l'uso di schermi per i bambini di età inferiore ai 2 anni.
  • Limite a 1 ora al giorno per i bambini in età prescolare.
  • Limite di 2 ore per i bambini in età scolare, escluso l'uso scolastico.
  • Stabilisci dei momenti in cui non usi gli schermi (ad esempio, durante i pasti o prima di andare a dormire).
Si incoraggiano i genitori a stabilire limiti concordati, a dare l'esempio adottando comportamenti sani e a tenere conversazioni regolari sull'uso degli schermi e sulla sicurezza online.
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Key Risks
Despite the benefits, there are notable risks associated with excessive screen time, particularly for younger children. Concerns include disrupted sleep patterns, sedentary behavior, and potential mental health issues. Key risks include: Sleep Disruption: Screen use, especially before bedtime, can lead to difficulties in falling asleep and shorter sleep durations. Mental Health Issues: Excessive screen time has been linked to depressive symptoms, particularly from inappropriate content exposure. Language Development: For children under two, screen time may negatively impact language acquisition and development. Behavioral Problems: High screen usage is correlated with attention issues and hyperactivity in young children.
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st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Key Risks
Despite the benefits, there are notable risks associated with excessive screen time, particularly for younger children. Concerns include disrupted sleep patterns, sedentary behavior, and potential mental health issues. Key risks include: Sleep Disruption: Screen use, especially before bedtime, can lead to difficulties in falling asleep and shorter sleep durations. Mental Health Issues: Excessive screen time has been linked to depressive symptoms, particularly from inappropriate content exposure. Language Development: For children under two, screen time may negatively impact language acquisition and development. Behavioral Problems: High screen usage is correlated with attention issues and hyperactivity in young children.
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Guidelines for Healthy Technology Use

Good digital well-being strategies do more than just reduce screen time. They help create a balanced lifestyle and support positive family relationships. Some recommended steps include:
  • Incoraggiare l'attività fisica quotidiana e il gioco all'aria aperta.
  • Stabilire delle routine del sonno coerenti.
  • Promuovere pasti nutrienti e tenere gli schermi spenti durante i pasti.
  • Promuovere hobby offline come la lettura, la musica o l'arte.
  • Mantenere una comunicazione aperta sull'uso e la sicurezza di Internet.
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Guidelines for Families
To mitigate risks, health authorities recommend: No screen time for children under 2 years. Limit screen use to 1 hour for preschoolers and 2 hours for school-aged children. Establish screen-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime. Family involvement is crucial. Parents should set negotiated screen time limits and engage in discussions about usage and content, helping children reflect on their technology habits.
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Utile
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Guidelines for Families
To mitigate risks, health authorities recommend: No screen time for children under 2 years. Limit screen use to 1 hour for preschoolers and 2 hours for school-aged children. Establish screen-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime. Family involvement is crucial. Parents should set negotiated screen time limits and engage in discussions about usage and content, helping children reflect on their technology habits.
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Building Healthy Digital Habits

The goal is not just to reduce screen time but to create balance. Physical activity, sleep, diet, and offline hobbies all contribute to a healthier relationship with technology.

st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Interventions for Balance
Interventions aimed at improving children’s relationships with technology should go beyond merely reducing screen time. Instead, they should focus on promoting healthy behaviors and family cohesion. Strategies include: Encouraging physical activity and outdoor play; maintaining a consistent sleep schedule; promoting a healthy diet and avoiding screens during meals; engaging in non-screen activities such as reading or arts; maintaining open communication about online safety. These approaches foster a holistic view of well-being, ensuring that technology is integrated into children’s lives in a balanced way.
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Utile
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Interventions for Balance
Interventions aimed at improving children’s relationships with technology should go beyond merely reducing screen time. Instead, they should focus on promoting healthy behaviors and family cohesion. Strategies include: Encouraging physical activity and outdoor play; maintaining a consistent sleep schedule; promoting a healthy diet and avoiding screens during meals; engaging in non-screen activities such as reading or arts; maintaining open communication about online safety. These approaches foster a holistic view of well-being, ensuring that technology is integrated into children’s lives in a balanced way.
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Conclusion: Technology should be seen as a tool — not a threat.

Technology should be seen as a tool — not a threat. With the right boundaries and guidance, it can help children develop critical skills, creativity, and global awareness. The key lies in balance: encouraging responsible use while ensuring time for play, rest, and family life.

st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Collaboration is essential
As St Peter’s School demonstrates, collaboration between educators and parents is essential. By fostering open conversations, updating policies, and modeling healthy digital habits, schools and families can help young people become ethical, competent, and confident digital citizens.
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st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Collaboration is essential
As St Peter’s School demonstrates, collaboration between educators and parents is essential. By fostering open conversations, updating policies, and modeling healthy digital habits, schools and families can help young people become ethical, competent, and confident digital citizens.
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Cosa dicono le scuole

Le scuole con esperienza pratica su questo argomento condividono il loro punto di vista.
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Educating for Responsible Use
St Peter’s School, alongside families, takes on the responsibility of educating our students in the conscious and responsible use of devices and digital content. Last year, we initiated a reflection process on the impact of technology on the younger generations, the so-called digital natives, and the role that families and schools should play in their ethical and cognitive development. This process began with a roundtable discussion, during which several parents shared their concerns and offered several solutions and proposals. Based on their contributions, we reviewed and updated our device policy, adjusting it to the current concerns, challenges, and needs.
Continua a leggere
Utile
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Potential Benefits
Research indicates that screen use can promote family bonding and cognitive development. Educational content can improve academic performance and stimulate creativity. Digital competence is increasingly crucial for success in today’s job market, equipping students with necessary skills for a tech-driven future.
Continua a leggere
Utile
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Key Risks
Despite the benefits, there are notable risks associated with excessive screen time, particularly for younger children. Concerns include disrupted sleep patterns, sedentary behavior, and potential mental health issues. Key risks include: Sleep Disruption: Screen use, especially before bedtime, can lead to difficulties in falling asleep and shorter sleep durations. Mental Health Issues: Excessive screen time has been linked to depressive symptoms, particularly from inappropriate content exposure. Language Development: For children under two, screen time may negatively impact language acquisition and development. Behavioral Problems: High screen usage is correlated with attention issues and hyperactivity in young children.
Continua a leggere
Utile
st-peters-school-barcelona
Scuola San Pietro di Barcellona
Guidelines for Families
To mitigate risks, health authorities recommend: No screen time for children under 2 years. Limit screen use to 1 hour for preschoolers and 2 hours for school-aged children. Establish screen-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime. Family involvement is crucial. Parents should set negotiated screen time limits and engage in discussions about usage and content, helping children reflect on their technology habits.
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Utile
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