Mental health effects of digital technology habits among families during COVID-19
Flinders University 2021
Researcher: Dr Daniel King
COVID-19 has had major effects on the health and wellbeing of Australian children and families, particularly those who are self-isolating on an indefinite basis. Many children do not physically attend school or follow normal routines and engage in less physical exercise and face-to-face socialising. Many have greatly increased their digital media use, including playing video games and social media use. Some online activity can be beneficial if it maintains social connections or schoolwork and reduces boredom. However, there can be major negative health consequences, including dependence on high levels of online activity and exposure to information that increases health anxiety about the pandemic and its ongoing effects.