By Gloria Martinez (Estimated reading time: 7 minutes)
In today’s digital age, screens are integrated into almost every part of teenagers’ lives. Smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and laptops provide teens with access to education, connection, and creativity, but they also expose them to stress, misinformation, and unhealthy comparisons.
For many parents, navigating this ever-changing landscape can feel overwhelming. Recognizing both the advantages and the challenges of screen time can help families adopt more mindful, intentional use of technology.
The Benefits
Studies of the scientific literature found evidence that digital engagement (including the internet, video games, and other digital tools) is associated with positive outcomes in brain, cognitive, and social-emotional development when used thoughtfully, intentionally, and in moderation:
- Connection and belonging: Digital platforms allow teens to stay connected with friends and family, explore shared interests, and find supportive communities. For many—especially those who feel isolated—online spaces can foster belonging and offer emotional support.1
- Learning and skill-building: Studies indicate that digital tools such as educational apps and video games can strengthen problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and cognitive flexibility, as teens regularly practice analyzing information and adapting to new challenges.2
- Personal growth and identity development: Online spaces can support key aspects of adolescent self-esteem, such as independence, self-expression, connection, and acceptance. Teens can use screens to explore identities, address global issues, organize around causes, and develop a broader understanding of their role in the world.3
The Challenges
While screens offer benefits, excessive or unmonitored use can contribute to several risks:
- Mental health concerns: High levels of screen time, especially on social platforms, are linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and self-harm. Tailored “perfect” images can fuel negative body image and comparison. Constant notifications and the pressure to respond quickly increase stress and decrease attention spans, making it harder for teens to unplug and self-regulate4.
- Physical health impacts: Sedentary screen time often replaces physical activity, raising the risk of obesity and musculoskeletal issues like neck or back pain. It can also decrease the time spent outdoors or in face-to-face interactions.5
- Sleep disruption:In adolescence, sleep naturally shifts toward later sleep times. Blue light and stimulating content can worsen this, leading to irregular sleep patterns, insomnia, or fatigue.6
- Exposure to harmful content:Without proper guidance, teens can encounter cyberbullying—whether as victims or unintentionally contributing to it—as well as misinformation, unrealistic standards, and inappropriate material, often long before adults even realize it. They may also be vulnerable to untrustworthy individuals and at risk of manipulation or exploitation.7
How Parents Are Feeling About It
Across PEPS Groups and workshops for Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT), caregivers shared common concerns about managing screen use. Many expressed difficulties with boundaries, balancing online and offline time, and staying informed about new apps and platforms. For many, it’s unclear what counts as “too much” screen time or how to enforce limits without daily conflict.
Recognizing this need, PEPS, a local nonprofit that offers peer support groups for families, organized two community gatherings. The events were led by Dr. JenniferTininenko, a licensed clinical psychologist and Director of the Child Anxiety Center at Evidence Based Treatment Centers of Seattle (EBTCS). Dr. Tininenko highlighted to the 80+ caregivers who attended that adults act as influential role models for digital habits and promote open communication with clear, predictable boundaries. “Our job is to teach our kids how to use tech, so it works for them—not against them,” she said. This aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ advice to develop a family media plan that reflects the family’s values and routines.
Many parents shared that managing children’s screen time is challenging and frustrating, especially when it’s difficult for adults, too. Co-parenting around technology is taxing when caregivers aren’t on the same page, and stress increases when families feel that schools or community organizations aren’t providing clear, consistent expectations.
As one parent shared: “While we still don’t have laws in schools or from the government to protect our children from the dangers of screens, we can create small community rules, so our children don’t feel left out for being the only ones without a screen.”
Other caregivers supported the importance of collective work to manage the screens:
“Setting limits with screens should be a collaborative effort—and we need to validate how our kids feel, even when we must set hard boundaries.”
Together, these voices reveal a common truth: Caregivers need guidance, consistency, and community—not just a broad set of rules. Screens are here to stay, and parents are looking for practical ways to support their teens while caring for themselves.
Strategies for a Healthy Balance
1. The first question to consider is: How do I know when it’s the right time to give my child a phone or access to media? Start by assessing your child’s maturity and readiness to understand and follow a family agreement on responsible use, including time limits, privacy rules, and respectful online behavior. Also, pay attention to their social world. Are they feeling left out, struggling to connect with peers, or missing important social interactions where digital access matters? Consider whether they can manage emotions, handle conflicts appropriately, and tell you if something online feels uncomfortable. By noticing these signs and involving your child in the decision, families can build a strong foundation for healthy, balanced, and safe technology use.
2. Create a family media agreement: Collaborate with your teen to set clear, realistic expectations such as no phones at bedtime, limits on certain apps, or designated screen-free zones. Involving teens helps gain their support and cooperation. Be honest about responsibilities and any parental controls you plan to implement.
3. Establish tech-free times and places: Designate screen-free zones such as bedrooms and dining tables, and set times like during meals or before bed. Make screen time a shared activity whenever possible. Limit device use at least 40 minutes before bedtime and aim for a healthy balance between screen activities and offline experiences.
4. Have open conversations about digital safety: Discuss online privacy, sharing personal information, location sharing, and managing negative interactions. Remind teens that online content can stay forever. Encourage them to be upstanders—speaking out or getting help when they see harmful behavior.
5. Teach critical thinking about media. Discuss how images are edited, how AI is challenging our perceptions, how algorithms shape what they see, how influencers earn money, and how to verify information. Encourage teens to seek diverse and trustworthy sources.
As adults, it’s essential to reflect on our own screen habits because we are our children’s main role models. Ask questions before judging; you might discover meaningful interests or skills your teens are developing online. You may also notice when screen time is used to cope with stress or challenges, giving you a chance to support them more effectively.
Screen use among teens is a constantly evolving topic and an ongoing conversation. PEPS offers a variety of peer support groups and workshops to help families as they navigate these changes and learn alongside other parents. Learn more about our PEPS programs for parents of adolescents and teens, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, and get in touch with us through email at programs@peps.org.
About the Author
Gloria Martinez (she/her/ella) is the Program for Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT) Bilingual Outreach Manager at PEPS. She has a passion for building tools that support families and create meaningful change in the communities they serve. Her experience as a psychologist across different countries and communities, combined with her perspective as a parent, has deepened her conviction that connection is the foundation for collective growth and lasting impact.
Learn More / Sources
- Haddock, J., Ward, P., Yu, S., & O’Dea, J. (2022). Positive effects of digital technology use by adolescents.
- Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. (2025). Digital Device Usage and Childhood Cognitive Development.
- Packiam, T. (2024). Development of the Social Media Benefits Scale.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Associations between screen time use and health outcomes among U.S. teenagers.
- University of Texas School of Public Health. (2023). Impact of technology use on adolescent health.
- Naing, L., Hassen, S., & Sharbini, S. (2024). The relationship between the use of screen-based devices and self-reported sleep quality in adolescents aged 13–19 years in Brunei.
- Pew Research Center. (2025). Teens, social media, and AI chatbots.
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