This information can help youth and families start a conversation about digital technology, including:
- social media
- gaming
- online gambling
- online pornography
You’ll find facts, tools, and resources to help youth and families use digital technology in healthy ways.
Digital technology has an important role in your life. So it’s helpful to understand the good and bad ways it can affect you and your family.
The benefits of digital technology include:
- better reading and understanding skills
- easier learning
- quicker access to information
- better connections to friends and family
When digital technology is misused, overused, or used without adult supervision, it can lead to problems such as:
- stress and loneliness
- a shorter attention span (not being able to pay attention for longer periods)
- losing interest in things you enjoy
- eye strain (when looking at screens for long hours)
- sleep problems
- spending less time being active or playing
- being very active and excited, leading to poor behaviour
- more conflict or arguments
- spending less time with others or having more fears than usual
- being addicted to using digital technology
As you explore social media, gaming, gambling, or any online activity, remember that healthy habits, setting limits, taking breaks, and talking openly will help you enjoy the positives of digital life without the negatives taking over.
Why learning about digital technology matters even more now for youth and families
Health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic made digital technology essential for children, youth, and families. When it wasn’t safe to meet in person, digital technology kept children and youth connected to lessons when schools moved online, to friends, to other activities, and even to doctor’s appointments.
This created a hard situation for many families. During the pandemic, families struggled with work, school, and home life being under one roof. And while digital technology was essential, not every home had devices or internet, which created gaps in who could access and benefit from online learning and health services.
At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how youth and families interact with digital technology. New AI‑powered tools, for example, work as “smart tutors,” adapting lessons to each student’s pace and helping everyone understand difficult topics. While these advances can mean more personalized learning and easier access to support, they also bring challenges like the ones listed above.
Moving forward, it’s important to strike a balance. Youth and families need to combine these powerful digital tools with healthy habits, thoughtful supervision, and equitable access so every young person can benefit safely and fully from technology.
“I believe that when technology is used positively, its effect is largely more positive than negative. I have used it to reach out for support, and I received what I asked for. At the same time, I have found the opposite of support online. The largest or most important benefit for me is the resources it provides me to help me cope with anxiety. I receive hourly reminders to ground myself and take a breath. In another way, it’s become a contributor to my anxiety… when it’s important for me to… have the least amount of stimulus as possible”.
– Anonymous youth, age 13
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