A comprehensive Finnish study reveals that 80 percent of parents express serious concerns about the negative impacts of digital gaming and social media on their children's wellbeing. The preventive substance abuse organization EHYT conducted the survey, which highlights parental worries about time management, mental health, and daily coping abilities among young people.
The research specifically examined how parents and guardians of 12 to 17-year-old adolescents perceive their children's social media usage and digital gaming habits. Many respondents reported that excessive screen time frequently prevents teenagers from engaging in other important activities. Families across Finland struggle with balancing support for social relationships while encouraging reduced phone usage.
Project Manager Aino Harvola emphasized the complexity of the issue in an official statement. "Concerns about wellbeing and the desire to support young people come through strongly in guardian responses," Harvola noted. "We're not dealing with a single challenge but rather a complex web of interconnected problems. It's crucial that we can discuss digital daily life openly and without blame, both across society and within families."
The survey gathered nearly 900 responses during spring 2023, with approximately five hundred coming from young people's guardians and the remainder from lower secondary school staff. Researchers also conducted over a dozen thematic interviews to deepen their understanding.
Both parental and educational professional perspectives revealed strikingly similar concerns. Harvola observed that "the responses show that very similar issues weigh on the minds of both guardians and school professionals."
While parents identified clear challenges, they also recognized positive aspects of digital engagement. Benefits included language skill development, technical competence building, and opportunities for community connection. This balanced perspective reflects Finland's pragmatic approach to technology integration in daily life.
Finland's education system has long been recognized internationally for its excellence, making these digital wellbeing concerns particularly significant. The country faces the universal challenge of balancing technological advancement with healthy development for the next generation. Finnish schools have traditionally emphasized outdoor activities and hands-on learning, creating a natural tension with increasing digital immersion.
The study's timing coincides with broader European discussions about regulating social media platforms and protecting young users. Finland's high internet penetration rate and tech-savvy population make these findings especially relevant for other Nordic countries facing similar challenges.
Parents and educators now seek practical strategies to help young people develop balanced relationships with technology. The research suggests that solutions will require collaboration between families, schools, and policymakers rather than simple individual behavior changes.