It's Not Just Screen Time—It's Screen Meaning

Hello everyone :)

With tensions rising around the world, it’s hard not to feel a little overwhelmed—by the headlines, by uncertainty, and by the speed at which everything seems to be changing. In times like these, I often find myself returning to the everyday moments that really matter—like raising a child in a world that feels both beautifully connected and increasingly complicated. Recently, Australia made headlines with a proposal to ban social media access for children under 16. Here in the UK, the conversation is also shifting, with renewed focus on limiting screen time for young users. As both a parent and a social researcher, I find myself paying close attention—not just to the policies, but to the deeper questions they raise about the kind of digital world we’re creating for the next generation.

My own son doesn’t use social media yet—he’s still too young, and not quite ready for that world. He’s curious, of course, but at this stage, I know it wouldn’t be right for him. That said, I know things will likely change in a few years—maybe three—and I want to be ready when that moment comes.

It’s not just about screen limits or age restrictions. It’s about asking ourselves: Are we creating a digital world that respects childhood? Are we helping our children grow, connect, and explore safely—or are we just reacting to a problem we no longer fully understand?

There’s no doubt that social media can be a powerful tool. According to Ofcom’s 2023–2024 report, 81% of children and 84% of parents believe social media has a positive impact on learning, while 68% of children and 65% of parents say it helps build and maintain friendships. These are not small numbers—and they remind us that, for many, social media offers connection, creativity, and growth.

But we can’t ignore the risks. Research from Imperial College London has shown that poor self-esteem and body image, often fuelled by online content, are strongly linked to increased weight concerns and poor mental health in teenagers. It’s a tough balancing act: celebrating the benefits while staying mindful of the costs.

As a parent, I’ve seen both sides: the joy in my child’s eyes when he learns something new from a creative app... and the quiet worry when he disappears into endless scrolling. These moments remind me that the question isn’t whether tech is good or bad—it’s how we guide, support, and stay present in their digital lives.

That’s why perhaps it’s time we shift the conversation from how much screen time is too much, to what kind of screen time we’re encouraging. Instead of counting minutes, let’s start measuring meaning. Is the content our children engage with building their confidence, expanding their creativity, helping them feel seen and connected—or is it quietly

undermining their wellbeing?

But here’s the bigger question we need to be asking: Are we, as parents, educators, and policymakers, doing enough to raise children who are not just digital users—but digitally literate, empowered citizens? It’s not enough to shield them from harm; we must also equip them with the skills to think critically, act responsibly, and participate meaningfully in the digital world they are inheriting.

I invite fellow parents, educators, policymakers, and tech stakeholders to rethink the current narrative. Let’s advocate for quality digital experiences that empower young minds—not just restrict them.

This post isn’t a call for panic. It’s a gentle reminder: let’s stay curious, connected, and compassionate. Let’s make sure our children are not just protected, but truly heard.

I hope you found this post useful and informative. I really need your support, it is a self-funding project, so I kindly ask you (if you can or if you want), please share this post and subscribe to our mailing list! Click here to see other posts.

Thank you Dr J. Oliveira