Health implications of new age technologies for adolescents: a review of the research

Publication Date

2014

Journal Title

Curr Opin Pediatr

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Within the past 20 years, there have been profound advances in personal technology. Although adolescents have embraced the Internet, video games and smart phones, with their extraordinary potential for education, entertainment and connecting with peers, respectively, there is a 'dark side' to these new age technologies. This article identifies many of the adverse physical, psychological, developmental and emotional consequences of our new age technologies. RECENT FINDINGS: As Internet access has become easier, faster and more ubiquitous, there is increased evidence of its potential for direct and indirect harm to teens. Sexually explicit material is now indiscriminately available to youth, and studies have linked pornography with a number of negative health effects. Internet addiction is a problem even among teenagers who do not view pornography online. The rise of the Internet and social media sites now makes it easier for a student to bully a peer, and adolescents represent the majority of cyberbullying victims These technologies not only carry increased morbidity but also mortality, with increased suicides due to cyberbullying and motor vehicle deaths due to texting while driving. SUMMARY: Paediatricians play a critical role in educating adolescents and their parents about the risks associated with new age technologies.

Volume Number

26

Issue Number

5

Pages

605-19

Document Type

Article

EPub Date

2014/08/28

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

General Pediatrics

PMID

25160783

DOI

10.1097/mop.0000000000000140

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