Technology and Teens

Let’s be real. A lot has changed in the technology department between the time you were a teen and the current circumstances of your teen. With so much new technology there is a constant threat to our time management that simply was just not there even 10 years ago!

In a 2013 Pew study on Teens and Technology, it was found that 78% of teens have a cell phone (47% were smartphones with internet capacities) and 93% of teens have a computer or access to one at home. Another Pew study done in 2007 showed that parents of teens regulate the content of their media use more than the time of use.

So, if the majority of teens have access to more technology (especially internet accessing technology) and parents do not emphasize the issue of how much time they are allowed to use that technology then what is going to happen?

Well, results from research on “Parenting the Internet” has shown that increased access to these technologies only influences time online. And guess what? Parenting style has a significant impact on almost all areas of moderating technology techniques (if you haven’t read about parenting styles, read another blog post in this section titled, “What Type of Parent are You?”). It has also been shown that authoritative parents are the highest in using technological blocking as a restrictive mediation effort. That means that parents that show high warmth and high control (the best style of parenting) are the ones who put restrictions on technology use, so that must bring the best outcomes for the child!

Time for some evaluation of your family’s technology use! This is a good time to ask some questions:

• Is technology use controlling you or your teen’s time in any way? 
• Is technology a hindrance to your relationship or communication with your teen? 
• Are there any signs that your teen may be spending too much time using technology? 
• Would you consider trying a “technology break” to contrast the difference in your family’s environment and communication? 
• Why did you initially agree to let that technology into your family; has it gotten out of control? 
• What kind of restrictions do you have on media use? Are you too lenient? 
• Is it fairly easy for your teen to access dangerous websites or have free reign in their internet use? 
• What is an area of concern in your family’s technology use?

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, then maybe it's time to consider some changes in your family's technology and media use.

1. Set your objectives, goals, and vision of technology use in your family.
• Example: Our family will use technology to enhance our relationships, communication, and educational efforts by setting time limits and rules. We will define "red flags" of if our technology use is getting out of hand and will make the appropriate adjustments. 
2. Start brainstorming ideas and come up with a plan to reach your technology use goals. 
3. Consider having a family council to address your concerns with your teens. 

We welcome your comments and participation below:

Is technology use eating at you or your teenager’s time? What are you going to do about it? 

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Eastin, M. S., Greenberg, B. S. and Hofschire, L. (2006), Parenting the internet. Journal of Communication, 56, 486–504. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00297.x

Madden, M., Lenhart, A., Duggan, M., Cortesi, S., & Gasser, U. (2013) . Teens and technology. Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C. http://www.pewinternet.org/files/old-media/Files/Reports/2013/PIP_TeensandTechnology2013.pdf

Macgill, A. (2007). Parent and teen internet use. Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C. 
http://www.pewinternet.org/2007/10/24/parent-and-teen-internet-use/