Excessive internet use by children affects their wellbeing, leading to concerns over their conduct and hyperactivity levels – and the effect is greater among those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. New research based on data from the Growing Up in Ireland study found a “sharp increase” in engagement with digital activities between the ages of nine and 13. It was up from 41pc to 91pc, with “full saturation” by ages 17 and 18 when 99pc were actively engaged with online activities. “Low-SES [socioeconomic status] adolescents are globally more harmed than high-SES adolescents by their digital engagement, and high-SES adolescents benefit more from moderate levels of digital use and from engaging in learning-oriented digital activities,” it said. “[Parents from] higher SES have many things – higher digital knowledge, richer digital access.

Source: Irish Independent May 27, 2023 02:40 UTC