Childhood in a Digitalized World Overview and commentary on the discourse surrounding the negative impact of smartphones and internet use on children and adolescents

Abstract

In recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of digital media, especially smartphones and apps, on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents, and their development have become a focus in scientific discourses. Jonathan Haidt suggests that we are experiencing a shift from play-based childhood to phone-based childhood, which bears significant negative consequences for children and adolescents as well as parents and schools. Is this indeed the case or is this an exaggerated assessment? While some psychologists emphasise the negative effects of digital media and call for comprehensive educational and political countermeasures, others warn against scaremongering and excessive reactions based on insufficient empirical evidence.
This article outlines and discusses various current research findings and perspectives. It then presents an ethical and pedagogical reflection on proposed measures, taking into account and weighing up different objectives and considerations with regard to autonomy, harm avoidance and duty of care.