Symptoms of problematic internet use (PUI)—where online activity begins to spiral out of control—affect up to four in ten teenagers. According to research conducted by the Give Children Strength Foundation (Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę), 31% of adolescents show high levels of PUI indicators, while 8% exhibit very high levels.
Psychologists note a significant societal shift: in the past, older generations passed down knowledge, values, and social norms to younger ones. Today, although parents still hold formal authority, a teenager’s primary source of knowledge is their smartphone, often replacing real-life interactions with friends and family.
“Years ago, the older a person was, the wiser they were perceived to be. This gave parents authority and influence. Today, however, teenagers often have more knowledge about navigating the digital world than their parents. As a result, those with parental authority lack the knowledge necessary to guide their children in this space. This can lead to conflict, tension, and emotional distance. Parents are losing the emotional power that, just two generations ago, was the foundation of strong relationships,” explains Prof. Dr. Bogdan de Barbaro, a psychotherapist, speaking at the Safer Internet Day gala.
Smartphones: A Gateway to Knowledge or a Loss of Control?
Young smartphone users do not only seek information about current events, pop culture trends, or shopping recommendations. Through social media and algorithm-driven applications, their attention is directed toward specific topics, shaping their priorities. A tool that was meant to facilitate communication and access to information has instead gained disproportionate control over teenagers’ lives, which can lead to problematic internet use.
Research from the Give Children Strength Foundation highlights key differences between normative and problematic internet users. Adolescents who use the internet in a balanced way tend to have better family relationships and receive more parental support for online safety than those showing PUI symptoms. In families where teenagers use the internet responsibly, parents are more likely to discuss safe internet habits and set clear boundaries.
“Children’s relationship with smartphones depends on their relationship with their parents. If the parent-child bond is secure, creative, and filled with active love, then the smartphone remains just a helpful tool—it does not dominate or interfere with their relationship. However, if a child lacks a strong emotional connection with their parents, or if the bond is chaotic, anxious, or aggressive, then the smartphone becomes their primary focus. In such cases, there is a risk that the smartphone takes on the role of a pseudo-friend,” warns Prof. de Barbaro.
The Internet as a Substitute for Meaningful Conversations
Psychologists observe that instead of discussing difficult issues with parents or teachers, many teenagers turn to the internet for answers—often without telling anyone. Unfortunately, this rarely leads to positive outcomes, as advice from anonymous “experts” online can do more harm than good.
“A young person wants to find answers to difficult questions through their smartphone. However, these answers are often oversimplified, anonymous, filled with anger or hatred, and contribute to mental confusion, not to mention ethical and emotional disarray. Of course, the internet can be a valuable source of knowledge and entertainment, but distinguishing between what is useful and truthful versus what is nonsensical, misleading, or outright false is extremely difficult. Worse still, many young people don’t even care about the difference between truth and lies,” de Barbaro emphasizes.
Experts warn that excessive dependence on smartphones and digital technology can lead to psychological issues, including anxiety disorders like FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—the fear that one is being left out or missing something important while offline.
“The smartphone acts as a pseudo-friend—it may seem to provide understanding and create a network, but what the user fails to realize is that this is not a network of friends, but a network of objects. Smartphones objectify interactions, making genuine friendship through a device nearly impossible. In my opinion, while smartphones have many strengths, they are also a trap. Treating them as a friend is risky, but using them as a helpful assistant that serves its owner can be beneficial,” concludes Prof. de Barbaro.
