In today’s digital era, screen usage often fuels parent-child conflicts, especially during adolescence. From disputes over owning a smartphone to signing up for social media accounts – these issues around media use can make it challenging to reconcile the tension between parental authority and child autonomy. However, screens are here to stay – making it critical for adults to understand and engage with youth to better support them. Now that we better understand how children interact with screens and media and the impact on their development, it is imperative for parents and caregivers to listen to where children themselves are coming from to help them become responsible digital citizens. Children are active agents who should contribute to and shape decisions made in their everyday lives. By acknowledging children’s views and involving them in conversations about media use habits, adults can strengthen the sense of trust and quality of their relationships with their children while promoting positive health outcomes.
