Digital Ecosystems, Children, and Adolescents: Policy Statement

Abstract

Digital media, including television, the internet, social media, video games, and interactive assistants, form the digital ecosystem. When this digital ecosystem is designed with children's unique developmental needs in mind, it can support learning and well-being. In contrast, digital ecosystems that prioritize engagement and commercialization often encourage prolonged use, which in turn can displace healthy behaviors (eg, movement behaviors, sleep), and contribute to negative outcomes. This policy statement follows the conceptual framework of the socioecological model, depicting nested circles of care including: children's own characteristics, their caregivers, the digital ecosystem, as well as broader societal systems. Given the interconnected nature of these influences and systems, "media and children" cannot be viewed solely through the lens of individual child behaviors or screen limits alone. Recommendations are provided for families, pediatric providers, practitioners (eg, psychologists, social workers, counselors, educators, researchers), industry, and policy makers, aiming to provide strengths-based solutions and promote a more child-centered digital ecosystem.