The time children spend using smartphones and the internet tends to increase as they grow older.
According to a survey conducted by the Youth Internet Environment Research in 2023, two-year-olds spend an average of 106 minutes online each day, while by the age of 17, this increases to 378 minutes (about 6 hours). The survey revealed that over half of 17-year-olds use the internet for more than 5 hours a day, with 33% reporting 7 hours or more. When you consider time spent sleeping, commuting, and eating, it’s clear that they are spending most of their waking hours online.
Additionally, 65% of children aged 10 and older own personal devices, and by age 17, 99.3% of teenagers manage their own devices without anyone checking.
Meanwhile, crimes targeting children through social media are rising annually. Dangers such as sextortion, digital sexual violence, and getting into trouble after meeting someone online are all lurking in the digital world. A survey by ZOE Japan on social media usage among 13 to 19-year-olds found that 57% of respondents said there are no household rules about internet use, while 22.4% acknowledged breaking existing rules in secret. Only 11% reported strictly following rules.
This means that even if some parents believe they have strict rules in place, their children may know how to bypass filters, delete browsing history, or use secret accounts to do as they please. In fact, children are often more adept at using the internet and smartphones than their parents realize.
So, why can’t children let go of their smartphones, the internet, and games despite all these risks? Here are three main reasons:
Smartphones are addictive.
Adults use them too.
They want to connect with others.
1. Smartphones are addictive.
It’s said that Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, feared his son would become addicted to smartphones and didn’t allow him to use them until he was 14. Despite being the one to popularize smartphones globally, Jobs recognized their addictive nature. Why do children get addicted? Our brains release a happiness hormone called dopamine, which is related to motivation and focus. Activities like eating delicious food, exercising, or getting sunlight naturally stimulate dopamine production. However, using smartphones and social media also triggers this release.
Getting notifications, likes, and engaging sexual/sensational content keep dopamine flowing continually, making everyday activities seem dull in comparison. They can no longer feel satisfied or happy through just eating food, studying, or reading. This can lead to smartphone addiction while children seek more simulations from screens. And this can decrease their concentration ability, and even increase risk of depression. Additionally, prolonged screen time can disrupt sleep by affecting melatonin production, increasing the risk of sleep deprivation. Breaking free from such dependencies is very difficult, so preventive measures are essential.
2. Adults use them too.
Before worrying about children, we need to consider whether we, as adults, are too absorbed in our own smartphones and the internet. Are we prioritizing screens over family interactions at the dinner table or during commutes? The first thing you do is check news on TV or smartphones rather than interacting with your children. Children observe our behaviors closely and may find it unfair that they have rules while adults do not. Given that adults seem to enjoy the internet, children naturally desire the same freedoms. However, they lack the brain development and awareness to navigate dangers online, making them more vulnerable to various online threats. To encourage healthy internet use among children, adults should model positive behavior, such as engaging in meaningful family activities together, which can also foster their relaxation and happiness.
3. They want to connect with others.
Adolescence is a sensitive period marked by significant changes, and young people often seek validation and connection. As they use social media to make friends and keep up with trends, they may inadvertently access inappropriate sites or connect with criminals. Despite knowing the risks, the desire for connection often prevails, leading to excessive screen time, especially when they find school uninteresting and lack social interaction.
The common solution key to these three things that cause children’s dependence on smartphones and the internet is the need for adults to be more involved in their lives. Building trust and love with children is crucial.
When children have strong connections and bonds with their parents, they are more likely to reach out for help if they encounter dangerous situations online. This proactive relationship is one of the most effective ways to prevent child exploitation.
ZOE Japan offers guidebooks for parents regarding internet and smartphone use. We encourage you to keep these three reasons in mind and use our guidelines to foster dialogue and communication with your children. If you’re unsure about what to do, feel free to reach out to ZOE Japan Hotline!
Together, let’s protect our children's body, mind, and heart!
Comments