[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Tags, texts, voice notes, replies, new emails, retweets, new comments, new followers, new profile views: a steady stream of pings calls out, vying for attention almost as soon as the new day begins. A recent Common Sense Media report showed that <\/span>around half of 11 to 17-year-olds get over <\/b>200 notifications on their phone<\/b><\/a> each day<\/b>, with some teens\u2019 phones reporting a high of 4,500. These notifications can start almost as soon as kids have access to smartphones: in the UK, a Year 6 (5th grade) school teacher reported picking up his pupil\u2019s phone only to be met with <\/span>9,000 unread messages<\/b><\/a> from the <\/b>class WhatsApp group<\/b><\/a>, all received overnight<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This need for constant connection can take its toll, as ever-present technology, social media, and always-on devices contribute to a sense of what some wellbeing professionals are calling <\/span>\u201cdigital anxiety\u201d<\/b>. With each buzz comes a new distraction, along with a need to check in or be in the loop: especially during the teen years, where strong social bonds and being accepted are top of mind. So what can we do to help our kids?<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The overwhelm that comes from being constantly connected and available<\/b> through our digital devices can eventually cause us, and our children, to experience digital anxiety. As is the case with other forms of anxiety, the threshold isn\u2019t the same for everyone – we all have different levels of tolerance for how much content we can create or consume, and how much online communication we\u2019re comfortable with before we start feeling like it\u2019s just too much. <\/span>The feeling most often comes up on social media platforms<\/b>, while we\u2019re consuming news-related items or doing online research, as well as inside messaging apps.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Small amounts of stress lasting for short periods of time <\/span>can <\/span><\/i>be helpful if we see it as a signal that something seems \u201coff\u201d, and create meaningful change as a result. If this kind of stress remains unchecked, though, it can build and become detrimental to both our physical and emotional wellbeing, impacting our moods, relationships, and behavior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Digital anxiety can leave us feeling irritable or frustrated, excessively worried<\/b> (think: doomscrolling for hours)<\/span>, doubting ourselves and <\/b>our self-worth<\/b><\/a> (think: viewing picture-perfect fashion or exploring dreamy vacation reels on Instagram), and in more severe cases, it may even <\/span>contribute to feelings of deep sadness and depression<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Anxiety is a<\/span> common mental health issue<\/span><\/a> among children and teens, but it can be hard to spot because it can show up in a number of different, sometimes contradictory, ways:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Any one, or a combination, of these can also lead children to develop worries, apprehensions, and fears around things like going to school, being in public, eating certain foods, or being away from their caregivers, among others. It\u2019s easy to see how <\/span>these symptoms can ultimately impact children\u2019s ability to learn and concentrate<\/b>, <\/span>form and maintain friendships<\/span><\/a>, and build self-confidence and a positive sense of who they are in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Managing children\u2019s access to technology and <\/span>building healthy boundaries<\/span><\/a> around high-quality age-appropriate digital content – and technology use in general – are important aspects of parenting in the age of technology. <\/span>Parents can start small<\/b>, and begin by considering their child\u2019s biological age, maturity level, personality and temperament.<\/span><\/p>\n Children have different levels of interest in technology<\/b>, and while some have an easy time transitioning between tech-based and non-tech activities, others struggle. They can also differ in their levels of curiosity and desire to push boundaries, their emotional sensitivity, and the development of their critical thinking skills can happen at vastly different rates.<\/span><\/p>\n All of this information will help parents make decisions around what kind – and how much – digital content their child should be exposed to at different ages and stages of development, and what level of supervision or independence is appropriate for their child as they mature and grow.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/07\/02090318\/2025-05-Blog-What-is-digital-anxiety-A-parents-guide-to-reducing-tech-stress-in-kidsInsideImage.png” alt=”young boy scrolling on phone in bed” title_text=”2025-05-%91Blog%93-What-is-digital-anxiety-A-parent\u2019s-guide-to-reducing-tech-stress-in-kidsInsideImage” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A great way to establish a set of healthy digital habits and tech boundaries is to develop a <\/span>family tech agreement<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>ensure the whole family collaborates on the project<\/b>. Use your unique insight into your child\u2019s maturity and developmental needs to <\/span>create a set of rules together<\/span><\/a>, and reassess these periodically as your child grows and develops the skills they will need to become an increasingly responsible and independent tech user.<\/span><\/p>\n Some key habits and practices:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Events in both the online and offline worlds can cause us to experience anxiety, and certain online experiences can either worsen children\u2019s existing anxiety-related symptoms or cause these to develop.<\/span><\/p>\n Social media platforms, in particular, are one big area of concern for a number of reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWhat is digital anxiety? <\/b><\/h2>\n
Digital anxiety\u2019s impact on wellbeing<\/b><\/h2>\n
What do anxiety symptoms look like in teens and children?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How can parents help? <\/b><\/h2>\n
What are some healthy digital habits families can work on?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Does social media cause anxiety? <\/b><\/h2>\n
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When should teens seek help? <\/b><\/h2>\n