Digital Ecosystems, Children, and Adolescents: Policy Statement

Authors

Tiffany Munzer, Department of Pediatrics, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Joanna Parga-Belinkie, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Libby Matile Milkovich, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri.
Suzy Tomopoulos, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Bellevue Hospital, New York, New York.
Taiwo Ajumobi, Department of Pediatrics, Goryeb Children's Hospital, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, New Jersey.
Corinn Cross, Los Angeles, California.
Roslyn Gerwin, Department of Psychiatry, Maine Health Maine Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Portland, Maine.
Sheri Madigan

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Institution/Department

Psychiatry

Journal Title

Pediatrics

MeSH Headings

Humans; Child; Adolescent; Video Games; Social Media; Internet; Television; Digital Technology

Abstract

Digital media, including television, the internet, social media, video games, and interactive assistants, form the digital ecosystem. When this digital ecosystem is designed with children's unique developmental needs in mind, it can support learning and well-being. In contrast, digital ecosystems that prioritize engagement and commercialization often encourage prolonged use, which in turn can displace healthy behaviors (eg, movement behaviors, sleep), and contribute to negative outcomes. This policy statement follows the conceptual framework of the socioecological model, depicting nested circles of care including: children's own characteristics, their caregivers, the digital ecosystem, as well as broader societal systems. Given the interconnected nature of these influences and systems, "media and children" cannot be viewed solely through the lens of individual child behaviors or screen limits alone. Recommendations are provided for families, pediatric providers, practitioners (eg, psychologists, social workers, counselors, educators, researchers), industry, and policy makers, aiming to provide strengths-based solutions and promote a more child-centered digital ecosystem.

Recommended Citation

Munzer, Tiffany; Parga-Belinkie, Joanna; Milkovich, Libby Matile; Tomopoulos, Suzy; Ajumobi, Taiwo; Cross, Corinn; Gerwin, Roslyn; and Madigan, Sheri, "Digital Ecosystems, Children, and Adolescents: Policy Statement" (2026). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 4295.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/4295