The use of digital and online media can pose a health risk, but it can also offer health-promoting opportunities. There is evidence that moderate use of online media has a beneficial effect on verbal skills and cognitive and neural development. Digital technologies can stimulate social relationships among children and adolescents, and friendships can be intensified through communication via messaging services and social media. Conscious engagement in online activities is therefore definitely beneficial for subjective mental well-being and a sense of belonging, whereas too much, but also apparently too little, can have negative effects.
Digital technologies also offer potential for conveying health knowledge and promoting health literacy. For example, information on health topics of interest to children and young people can be provided online in an age-appropriate format. Youth-friendly games and apps are another option for health promotion and prevention.
These opportunities are offset by potential health risks. There are concerns about negative effects on the physical and mental health and cognitive performance of children and adolescents, both through the use of digital devices themselves and through harmful content.
Level of Education: School
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