Raising Children in the Digital Age: Love, Limits, and the Challenges of Child Development

To grow and develop in a healthy way, every child needs to feel loved, supported, and part of something bigger — family, friends, community. At the same time, they need to learn to become their own individual. This only happens when, gradually and at the right stages, a child is exposed to challenges, frustration, some boredom, and situations outside their comfort zone.

One of today's greatest challenges is screen use. Back in the television era, pediatrician Thomas Berry Brazelton already stated that no influence was more powerful over children than the media. Today, with social media accessible through phones, tablets, and computers, that impact is even greater. Children between the ages of 4 and 6 identify deeply with what they see on screens, imitating attitudes and behaviors. Media invades feelings — and, unlike adults, children often respond to this with tension and passivity.

Love comes first. But the second most important gift we can give a child is discipline. And discipline is not punishment — it's teaching. Our role as parents and as a pediatrician is to help the child incorporate their own limits. Every moment of discipline is an opportunity to teach. After a correction, sit beside them and say calmly: "You can't do that. I'm going to help you learn to stop."