Screens and adolescence: what issues for the Z generation?

Abstract

Digital media and screens are ubiquitous in the daily lives of adolescents. The screen-addicted portrait of young people has gained public attention, and health professionals are often consulted about the impact of screen use on teenagers' physical and mental health. Scientific evidence suggests that screen use is associated with risks and benefits that need to be weighed up in a nuanced way. This paper takes a critical look at the issue of screen time and at the models for understanding a problematic screen use. These considerations underline the importance of adopting a contextual understanding of screen use in adolescence.