Digital devices offer children valuable opportunities for learning, creativity, and social connection but also raise concerns about potential negative effects on their well-being. Risks include reduced face-to-face interactions, exposure to harmful content and behaviours, online abuse, and negative impacts on sleep, physical activity, and overall physical and mental health. However, not all digital media engagement poses the same risks and because of data limitations, most of the existing research is still correlational rather than causal. In general, many adolescents experience neutral or positive effects but a vulnerable minority struggles with problematic digital media use, which is associated with negative well-being outcomes. These findings are supported by firsthand accounts from practitioners in the field, including teachers, doctors, and social workers.
Problematic digital media use occurs when children struggle to manage their time online, feeling compelled to continue even when it disrupts daily responsibilities or well-being. In some cases, this can lead to excessive use or addiction-like behaviours. Research suggests that such usage increases the risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, academic struggles, body image concerns, and poor sleep, with girls often being more affected. Additionally, certain factors heighten the risk of harm in the digital environment, including intensified social comparison, exposure to idealised images, and cyberbullying. Chapter 4 of this report explores the relationship between digital media use and child well-being, distinguishing findings based on the type of digital activity (e.g., social media, video games), technology design features, and the role of passive versus active engagement, as well as interactions with parents, peers, or other adults. It also examines the influence of contextual factors related to children’s personal lives and family environment.
Various personal and environmental factors in the non-digital world can make children more vulnerable to problematic digital media use. These include low interest in physical activity, behavioural issues, weak social connections, family adversity (e.g., maltreatment, parental conflict, poor parenting), and low psychological well-being. Additionally, problematic digital media use and well-being can influence each other, worsening pre-existing vulnerabilities. A key conclusion of this report is the need to better understand how offline factors contribute to or protect against problematic digital media use and its impact on well-being, through additional data and analysis.
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) present both opportunities and challenges for children's well-being. AI can enhance learning, improve medical data analysis, and increase access to knowledge but also poses risks such as bias, privacy erosion, fraud, and exposure to harmful content. Similarly, VR provides benefits in education, pain management, and child psychiatry but also presents risks, including motion sickness, eye strain, and the potential to blur the line between reality and virtual experiences for young children, which may impact cognitive development. To reduce these risks, it is essential to implement safe technological design, establish time limits and breaks, and ensure adult supervision.