Open AccessProblematic digital technology use of children and adolescents: Psychological impact
Author(s) -
Julie Meates
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
teachers and curriculum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2382-0349
pISSN - 1174-2208
DOI - 10.15663/tandc.v20i1.349
Subject(s) - laptop , the internet , psychology , trustworthiness , information technology , educational technology , internet privacy , public relations , medical education , pedagogy , computer science , political science , social psychology , medicine , world wide web , operating system
Since the evolution of the internet in 1969 and the inception of the personal computer in the early 1970s, a significant body of research has emerged that highlights the impacts of digital technology on education, health and human development. This paper reviews research in this area and examines the physical, mental, and social health effects on children and adolescents (10- to 19-year-olds), as well as the impacts of digital technology on educational achievements. The aim of this literature review, to examine the psychological impact of digital technology, was prompted in part by the widespread use of digital technologies in schools including Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. BYOD asks students to bring personal laptop or iPad/tablet computers to school. Outcomes of this study may be surprising in the quantity of research available that provides red flag alerts. This fact alone will be of interest to school leaders as policy makers. There is a need for trustworthy information on which to base reviews and revisions of school policy to reduce the risks from the use of digital technology.