In today’s digital age, the pervasive influence of technology on adolescents is undeniable. A recent study, published in Computers in Human Behavior, delves deeper into the novel construct of concept of digital maturity.
The paper, titled “Developmental structure of digital maturity, was conducted by DIGYMATEX researchers Lieke Hofmans, Annemarijn van der Stappen and Wouter van den Bos from the Department of Developmental Psychology at the University of Amsterdam.
Digital maturity refers to the ability of individuals, particularly adolescents, to use digital technologies in a healthy, adaptive, and responsible manner.
The Digital Maturity Inventory (DIMI), developed by DIGYMATEX. is a tool we developed to measure this construct across ten domains, including digital literacy, emotion regulation, and support-seeking behaviours.
Previous studies have shown that young people’s digital maturity relates to different forms of well-being and that parents play an important role in these outcomes.
The new study involved 378 participants aged 9-43, allowing the research team to explore digital maturity across a broad age range.
One of the central findings is that the structure of digital maturity – how the different domains relate with each other – is relatively stable from adolescence into adulthood. This means the fundamental aspects of how individuals interact with digital technologies do not drastically change as they age.
Two domains stood out as central to digital maturity:
- Support-seeking
- The regulation of aggressive impulses
These domains were highly interconnected with other aspects of digital maturity, indicating they are critical areas for potential interventions. For instance, adolescents who actively seek support for digital issues are likely to have better digital risk awareness and overall digital literacy.
Together with previous findings this suggest that there is a key role for parents, and other caregivers, to guide youth in growing up in the digital sphere. For parents, these findings emphasize the importance of fostering an environment where children feel comfortable seeking support for digital challenges.
Open communication about digital experiences and challenges can significantly enhance an adolescent’s ability to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Encouraging discussions about online behaviours, and the emotional impacts of digital interactions can build a strong foundation for digital maturity.
Moreover, teaching and modelling emotional regulation strategies can help adolescents manage negative experiences online, such as cyberbullying or exposure to harmful content. Helping children develop these skills not only contributes to their digital maturity but also to their overall emotional resilience.
The study highlights the need for educational programs that promote not only digital literacy but also emotional regulation on-line. Schools should incorporate curricula that teach students not only how to use digital tools effectively but also how to understand and manage their digital interactions.
Additionally, creating support systems where students can seek help for digital issues is crucial. This can be provided by educational institutions like school, but our data also suggests that involving parents in the educational programs can be a fruitful approach.