In the grand tapestry of human history, we’ve woven a new glittering thread: the digital age. It’s a world of infinite scrolls, dopamine hits, and the constant allure of the next notification. But beneath the shine, a dark battle is unfolding – a battle for our children’s attention. At a time when the executive functioning skills in the pre-frontal cortex are still developing, it’s an unfair fight!

The Prefrontal Cortex

Deep within our skulls lies the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s CEO. This region, which undergoes significant development throughout adolescence, is responsible for a suite of executive functions, including:

• Impulse control: The ability to resist immediate gratification.
• Decision-making: Weighing options, risk vs consequence and making sound choices.
• Planning and organisation: Setting goals and breaking them down into actionable steps.
• Emotional regulation: Managing emotions in a healthy way.

Unfortunately, this crucial brain region doesn’t fully mature until our mid-20s and is particularly susceptible to influence during adolescence. At a time when our children are still developing the skills necessary to navigate the complex digital landscape, social media and gaming platforms are well positioned on the battleground, to exploit this vulnerability.

How Tech Hijack’s Young Brains

Social media platforms and video games are designed to be addictive. Built on “persuasive technology”, these platforms utilise intermittent variable rewards, similar to slot machines, triggering a release of dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter) and creating a sense of anticipation. The constant stream of notifications and the fear of missing out further capture attention, interrupting focus and hindering the development of crucial cognitive skills. This reliance on external stimuli can lead to difficulties in delayed gratification, attention regulation, and emotional control, potentially impacting long-term well-being and academic performance.

Neuroimaging research indicates that in addition to changes in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, excessive screen time also impacts on the parietal lobe, which helps us to process touch, pressure, heat, cold, and pain; the temporal lobe, which is important for memory, hearing and language; and the occipital lobe, which helps us to interpret visual information.

Can Kids Self-Regulate Screen Time?

Children are particularly vulnerable to this “digital hijack”, which can so easily lead to compulsive behaviour, making it difficult to pull away, even when they know they should. They may struggle to recognise the signs of addiction and may need help to set boundaries.

While it’s true that some children may be able to self-regulate their screen time, many will struggle, especially as they get older and gain more independence. It is very difficult for children to resist the allure of screens, especially when they are designed to be highly engaging. Research suggests that parental involvement is crucial in helping children develop and reinforce healthy habits around technology use.

How Can Parents Be a Safety Net?

So, what can parents do to protect their children from the potential harms of excessive screen time and age-inappropriate content? Here are a few tips from Be in Touch:

1. Check the “Real Age” Ratings: The age thresholds set on app stores are not regulated, age-appropriate ratings. Common Sense Media is an excellent resource to review the good, the bad and the ugly of social media and gaming patforms.
2. Delay Smartphones and Social Media: In the absence of regulation, experts and parent-led movements like SFC-SA, have responded to research showing the detrimental impact of the digital hijack on children, calling for a shift in parenting behaviour – delaying children’s use of smartphones until high school and waiting for them to turn 16 to access social media.
3. Set Clear Limits: Establish clear guidelines for screen time, including specific times when devices should be turned off.
4. Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of your home as screen-free zones, such as the dining room, bedrooms and bathrooms.
5. Lead by Example: Modelling healthy technology habits for your children is much more important than you may realise. Limit your own screen time and be mindful of how and when you use your own devices.
6. Encourage Offline Activities: Promote activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. View boredom positively and guide children to respond to it in screen-free ways.
7. Use Parental Controls: Utilize parental control features on devices, apps and games to monitor and limit your child’s screen time and content.
8. Have Open Conversations: Talk to your children about the ever-present risk of excessive screen time, how it leads to missed opportunities and the importance of balance.
9. Seek Professional Help: If you’re concerned about your child’s screen time habits, consider consulting with a mental health professional.

Through the setting of healthy tech boundaries, that are also consistently reinforced, parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with technology and ensure that they’re thriving, both online and off.

The digital world is a powerful tool that needs harnessing. The global shift in thinking, around the massive impact it has had on the previous generation of children, is ushering in controls and better protections. But until this burden is shifted more firmly onto the shoulders of those creating and profiting from social media and games, it’s up to parents to hold the fort.

 Kate Farina | kate@beintouch.org.za | www.beintouch.org.za