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Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
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The internet and children's psychological wellbeing
Emily McDool1, Philip Powell2, Jennifer Roberts1
1Department of Economics, University of Sheffield, UK.
Journal of Health Economics
|December 31, 2019
Summary
Internet use negatively impacts children's wellbeing, particularly their body image, with effects more pronounced in girls. This highlights the need for interventions addressing the adverse effects of screen time on adolescent emotional health.
Area of Science:
- Child psychology
- Sociology
- Digital media studies
Background:
- Late childhood and adolescence are crucial for social and emotional development.
- The internet has become a near-universal tool for information, communication, and entertainment for young people.
- Understanding the impact of digital technologies on adolescent wellbeing is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the effect of neighbourhood broadband speed, as a proxy for internet use, on children's wellbeing.
- To investigate potential causal mechanisms linking internet use and wellbeing.
- To inform interventions aimed at mitigating negative digital impacts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a large, representative sample of over 6300 children in England (2012-2017).
- Employed neighbourhood broadband speed as a proxy measure for internet accessibility and usage.
- Assessed multiple wellbeing outcomes reflecting children's subjective feelings about various life aspects.
Main Results:
- Internet use shows a negative association with wellbeing across several domains.
- The most significant negative impact was observed in children's feelings about their appearance.
- Adverse effects were more pronounced in girls compared to boys.
- Evidence supports 'crowding out' of beneficial activities and negative social media effects.
Conclusions:
- Internet use is linked to diminished wellbeing in children and adolescents.
- Social media and reduced engagement in other activities are potential contributing factors.
- There is a pressing need for interventions to mitigate the detrimental effects of internet use on children's emotional health.
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