Impact of new technologies (screens, internet, social networks, etc.) on the psychological and social development of children and adolescents in the Algerian context

Abstract

We know that in recent years, that our daily life depends on electronic connected media devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets and personal computers) and that we use these devices in work, socializing (social networks) and playing at such point that most homes are

equipped with such devices used by adult family members as well as by children and adolescents in these homes. We know also from recent studies, that the exposure to these devices, to internet and social networks is experienced by young children at an increasingly early age. That the use of these devices by children and adolescents can also turn to a harmful misusage when its frequency and duration are exaggerated. Many scholars argue that the consequences on psychological development of youths can be devastating. Especially on cognitive, social, emotional and language development. In this paper we aim to understand and answer to some questions about the role played by these new technologies as a risk factor of psychopathological development in young people. Particularly, how children and adolescents can display pathological patterns of development and behaviors like cyber dependency, violence and cyber harassment or sexual aggression? And what are the safety recommendations that can be deployed by families, parents and governments?