Impact of Digital Technologies on Health and Wellbeing of Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review

Date
2024-03-28
Authors
Cullen, J
Muntz, A
Marsh, S
Simmonds, L
Mayes, J
O’neill, K
Duncan, S
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy
Abstract

As the world digitises, children and adolescents are increasingly using digital technologies. These devices offer benefits such as exposure to social contacts and support, potential learning opportunities, and access to health promotion material. However, along with these benefits, emerging evidence is indicating that frequent, extended use of digital technologies is associated with negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. There are many ways to use digital technologies both for learning and recreation, so understanding the context of use is important when considering these impacts. As the pace of change unfolds, this narrative review provides an overview of the impacts of using digital technologies on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents across eight areas: vision, hearing, obesity, pain, sleep, cognition, mental health, and social impacts. Key points summarise the current state of evidence with relating expert opinion on reducing the risk of harm (where indicated), with the aim to aid decision-making and risk intervention. Sources include global large-scale studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Physiotherapists, with a professional scope focusing on physical health, quality of life, health promotion, and advocacy, are well positioned to support children and families, and to contribute to interventions aimed at reducing risk.

Description
Keywords
1103 Clinical Sciences , 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science
Source
New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, ISSN: 0303-7193 (Print); 2230-4886 (Online), 52(1), 62-77. doi: 10.15619/nzjp.v52i1.364
Rights statement
The New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy is registered on Scopus, and since 2012, has offered Open Access publication of all content. Present and future journal articles are freely accessible as well as past journals that have been published from 2012 onwards. There are no author fees for publication.