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Electronic media may be harmful to children with trauma

Electronic media can negatively affect children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, according to research presented at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry annual meeting.

To understand trends in electronic media use patterns in children and adolescents with disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders, and trauma- and stressor-related disorders, Kristopher Kaliebe, MD, of the University of South Florida, reviewed literature relating electronic media use with family conflict, developmental trauma, traumatic stress and problems with authority, anger and violence.

Children with behavior disorders and those who have experienced trauma are more likely to be heavy users of technology.

Children with chaotic families and adverse communities tend to use electronics as a way to connect, self-sooth, explore identity and learn, according to Kaliebe.

However, exposure to violent and antisocial content may negatively affect anger, aggression, self-control and defiance of authority among children who experienced harsh environments.

Media-related problems often present during treatment among this patient population due to their tendency to defy authority, reenact trauma and seek stimulation.

To combat this, Greenfield recommended evidence-based, family-focused interventions that strengthen family bonds, reduce negative communications, develop new behaviors and reward positive changes.

Individual approaches that are motivational and psychoeducational are most effective with children and adolescents.

“Research confirms an overall negative effect of electronic media in traumatized populations and children with behavioral disorders, yet this is as much a symptom as a cause. Nonetheless, unhealthy relationships with electronic media can worsen these disorders,” Kaliebe wrote. “Clinicians treating children with disruptive behavior disorders and trauma-related disorders will need to assess for and treat problems related to the media and technologies.” – by Amanda Oldt

Reference:

Kaliebe K. Electronic media use in youth with trauma-related and externalizing disorders: Symptom or contributing cause? Presented at: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry annual meeting; Oct. 23-28, 2017; Washington, D.C.

Disclosure: Kaliebe reports no relevant financial disclosures.