Published in the New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy

 

In collaboration with other authors, this narrative review gives a broad overview of the impacts of digital technologies on eight areas of child and adolescent health, summarising the strength of evidence, and providing key recommendations to reduce risk. Including authors who are subject experts in their fields, this paper is relevant to educators and parents, as well as health professionals. To read more, click here.

​

Abstract

As the world digitises, children and adolescents are increasingly using digital technologies. These devices offer benefits such as exposure to social contacts and support, potential learning opportunities and access to health promotion material. However, along with these benefits, emerging evidence is indicating that frequent, extended use of digital devices is associated with negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. There are many ways to use devices both for learning and recreation, so context of use is important when considering these impacts. As the pace of change unfolds, this narrative review provides an overview of the impacts of using digital technologies on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents across eight areas: vision, hearing, obesity, pain, sleep, cognition, mental health, and social impacts. Key points summarise the current state of evidence with relating expert opinion on reducing the risk of harm, where indicated, with the aim to aid decision-making and risk intervention. Sources include global large-scale studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Physiotherapists, with a professional scope focusing on physical health, quality of life, health promotion and advocacy, are well positioned to support children and families, and to contribute to interventions aimed at reducing risk.

​

Cullen, J., Muntz, A., Marsh, S., Simmonds, L., Mayes, J., O’Neill, K., & Duncan, S. (2024). Impact of digital screen use on health and wellbeing of children and adolescents: A narrative review. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(1), 62–77. Retrieved from https://nzjp.org.nz/nzjp/article/view/364

​

Impacts of digital technologies on child and adolescent health

Recommendations for safer screen use in educational settings

​

Published in the New Zealand Medical Journal 

 

In collaboration with other authors, the rationale and development process for new recommendations for using digital technologies in education settings is discussed in the New Zealand Medical Journal. To read more, click here. 

 

Abstract

The use of screen-based digital technologies (such as computers and digital devices) is increasing for children and adolescents, worldwide. Digital technologies offer benefits, including educational opportunities, social connection and access to health information. Digital fluency has been recognised as an essential skill for future prosperity. However, along with these opportunities, digital technologies also present a risk of harm to young people. This issue may be particularly important for young New Zealanders, who have among the highest rates of screen use in the world. Our recently published review examined the impacts of digital technologies on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Key findings revealed some positive impacts from moderate use of digital technologies; however, frequent and extended use of screen-based digital tools were associated with negative impacts on child and adolescent health in some areas, such as eye health, noise-induced hearing loss and pain syndromes. Conversely, in areas such as mental health, wellbeing and cognition, quality of screen media content and additional factors such as age may be more important than duration of use. These challenges gave us the impetus to develop pragmatic recommendations for the use of digital technologies in schools, kura kaupapa and early childhood education. Recommendations include interventions to lower risk across different ages and stages of development. Supporting young people to mitigate risk and develop safer screen behaviours will allow them to gain essential digital skills and access opportunities that will enable them to thrive.

​

Cullen, J., Muntz, A., Marsh, S., Simmonds, L., Mayes, J., O’Neill, K., & Duncan, S. (2024). The Impact of digital technologies on child and adolescent health and wellbeing: recommendations for safer screen use in education settings. The New Zealand Medical Journal, 137(1598), 9–13. https://doi.org/10.26635/6965.6565

​