technology
CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON GIRLS
A SERIES OF RESEARCH AND INFORMATIONAL PUBLICATIONS BY LCRG
“Putting the world’s best research to work for girls.”
by Tori Cordiano, Ph.D., Rachel Herlein, Ed.D., Megan Weiskopf, M.A., and Grace Willer, Ph.D.
GUIDING GIRLS THROUGH A HIGH-TECH WORLD Digital technology may be ubiquitous in children’s lives, but parents and educators can play a significant role in shaping the ways children engage with and are engaged by various platforms and applications. Meaningful conversations about tech use can begin in early childhood.1 These conversations could be especially important for adolescent girls, who may be more susceptible to the negative psychological effects of excessive digital media use.2 When viewed as a tool, technology has the power to enhance learning, foster creativity, and deepen connection. Rather than viewing technology and digital media as inherently bad or harmful, adults can help children and teenagers consider how best to use technology in healthy and productive ways, even exploring together how social media and other digital tech can be leveraged to effect positive change in the broader world. STRONG RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE According to a 2023 report from the Office of the Surgeon General, most children ages 13-17 use social media every day with over onethird reporting almost constant use of social media platforms.3 Caretakers are wise to consider ways to bolster the benefits of their child’s online social networks while shielding adolescents from risky or addictive behaviors. While more research is needed to fully understand how technology use affects young people, the Surgeon General’s report urges immediate action to mitigate the harmful effects of social media on the mental health of adolescents. A key protective factor in helping children avoid problematic social
media use is positive “off-line” relationships with parents, caring adults, and peers. Girls are more likely to engage in intensive use of social media and can experience positive connections and feelings of belonging through their use of online platforms. However, girls reporting low levels of social support from parents, teachers, and friends are more likely to overuse social media and exhibit addictive behaviors.4,5 Students reporting high satisfaction with family life are less likely to engage in risky online behavior and are more likely to report overall positive social connectedness.6 One study suggests that helping children develop strong family and peer relationships in early adolescence can provide a protective factor in terms of risky online behavior, one that is not seen in those who have not established such connections prior to later adolescence.7 In terms of negative messages absorbed by young people through images seen on social media, adolescents who enjoy a positive relationship with a parent are less likely to report body dissatisfaction and the related issues that