The realm of digital technology has profoundly reshaped how youth interact with media, profoundly immersing them in platforms such as social media, online gaming, and short video apps. This growing digital dependency sparks significant concerns about its effects on adolescents' mental health and social development, given their heightened vulnerability. The allure of online gaming and perpetual connectivity fosters a dependency cycle, with short-form videos encouraging compulsive usage through instant rewards. Researchers, educators, and policymakers must delve into these intricate dynamics. While the associated risks have been extensively documented, there remains a critical need to explore protective factors—especially family education—as parents play an instrumental role. By serving as role models and advocating for communication, boundary-setting, and media literacy, families can enable youth to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. This investigation aims to inform future interventions and policies to promote a balanced and healthy relationship between youth and digital media.
This Research Topic aims to investigate the critical role of family education in addressing the challenges posed by digital dependency in youth. By focusing on effective communication strategies, setting boundaries, and fostering media literacy, the objective is to empower parents to guide their children toward developing healthier relationships with digital media. The study aspires to illuminate the pathways through which family education can serve as a preventive measure, shedding light on best practices that enhance digital interactions in the digital age.
To gather further insights into the influence of family education on youth engagement with digital technologies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The role of parental involvement in shaping children's digital media literacy and responsible technology use
- The influence of peer relationships and social networks on adolescents' digital behaviors and risk perceptions
- The impact of online bullying and harassment on youth mental health and well-being
- The influence of family dynamics and socioeconomic factors on children's digital behaviors and attitudes
- The effectiveness of family-oriented digital literacy programs and interventions in promoting healthy technology habits
- Psychological and sociocultural factors that affect family approaches to managing technology use and digital engagement
- The relationship between family education and the development of critical thinking skills in evaluating digital content
Submissions in various formats, including empirical research, theoretical papers, case studies, and literature reviews, are encouraged. Together, we aim to elucidate the intricate landscape of youth digital engagement, focusing on both risks and protective factors shaping their experiences in the digital age.
Keywords: Digital Dependency, social media, online game, Short video, children, adolescents, influencing factors, risk factors, protective factors, family-related factors, family education, intervention
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
