Title
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
DOI
10.1097/mop.0000000000000140