Families 3.0

Opinion piece by Bárbara Figueiredo published in the Diário de Coimbra newspaper

The digital era has radically transformed the way we live. Indeed, families, and the way they live and interact, both among themselves and with new technologies, were no exception.

In fact, new technologies, initially restricted to a few, are now part of the daily lives of millions of people, especially the younger ones. This new reality brings with it a series of challenges and opportunities that demand careful reflection on the role of technology in family relationships

In an increasingly globalized world, new technologies have facilitated communication, shortening distances and camouflaging homesickness. Video calls, quick and inexpensive messages and phone calls allow parents and children, or other family members, to stay connected, strengthening affective bonds that might otherwise weaken with physical distance. Moreover, the internet offers a vast universe of knowledge, allowing children and adolescents – and adults too – to learn in a more dynamic and personalized way.

But, as we know, it’s not all roses, as excessive screen time can lead to sedentarism, difficulty in concentration, and decreased face-to-face social interaction. Thus, if on one hand, new technologies help strengthen bonds in scenarios of geographic distance, in cases where there is proximity, and even shared housing, they can contribute to weakening affective relationships. On the other hand, we cannot fail to mention the dangers of exposure to inappropriate content, false information, as well as cyberbullying, which present real risks for children and adolescents.

Within this framework, parents (or adults) play a fundamental role, needing to establish clear limits for the use of new technologies, monitor children’s online activities, and maintain an open dialogue about the risks and benefits of the internet. Furthermore, it is important to encourage offline activities, such as outdoor play, reading, and family togetherness.

In divorce situations, new technologies are assuming an increasingly relevant role, particularly in cases where there are minor children, allowing, for example, quick and effective communication between them and the parent with whom they are not staying overnight. But they also bring their challenges, increasingly presenting themselves as one of the factors of litigation between now estranged parents, whether due to disagreement about the need for minors to have mobile phones, or in the management of the time children spend online, or even about the possibility of sharing photos of minors on social networks.

As with everything, new technologies also call for common sense, with prudent, safe, balanced, and conscious use of the challenges they imply, especially when minors are involved, so that we can make the best use of them.