Functions such as impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation are still developing.
In addition, minors:
– Have a lower capacity for self-regulation.
– Are more sensitive to social validation.
– Are developing their identity.
That’s why the impact of the digital environment is not the same at age 13 as it is at age 30.
We don’t yet clearly understand the long-term effects, but evidence suggests that when use gets out of control, the risk of emotional, behavioral, and well-being issues increases, especially among young people.
The key is not to demonize cell phones, but to understand how to teach responsible use.
