Children of the Screen: Digital Life and Mental Well-being

Abstract

The sudden explosion of the digital technologies has increased the pluses of childhood experience in the world drastically. Children today are growing up surrounded by screens from their smartphone, tablet, computer, and their television, which can affect their cognitive, emotional, and social development. While being a source of educational opportunity, creativity and connectivity, digital media has seen concerns regarding its impact on the mental well-being of children. This research article focuses upon the relationship of digital life and mental health among children through global perspective using a combination of simulated primary data from the Pakistan. The study examines the patterns of screen use, psychological outcomes which can include anxiety, depression, attention problems and sleep disturbances and the moderating role of family, school and social environments. Using mixed-method approach, the research use of the information of quantification gathered through surveys and the qualitative analysis of children's mental wellbeing on the basis of their digital exposure. Findings suggest that excess use of screens and lack of regulations is linked with negative mental health, but positive and balanced use of technology and the internet supports learning and social connection. The study comes to the conclusion that digital life is not necessarily harmful or positive, but the effect it has on children's mental well-being depends on the way they use it, the way their parents mediate and the wider socio-cultural situation.