Screens, Social Skills & Sanity: What Every Parent Needs to Know

By Leanne Tran | Psychologist | Parent Like a Psychologist

Screens are everywhere in our kids’ lives—and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. But what does all this screen time mean for your child’s social development? Can screens actually support healthy social skills?

In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist, I dove into the sometimes surprising ways screens can help (and hinder) your child’s social interactions. Whether your child is neurotypical, neurodivergent, chatty, or quiet, there's something here for every parent navigating the modern digital world.

Screens Aren’t the Enemy: They Can Help Social Skills Too

Let’s start with the good news. Screens can actually support social development in a few powerful ways:

Shared Interests = Social Currency

Gaming and other online activities give kids shared experiences that help them connect with peers. Think of it like this: knowing about Minecraft, Pokémon, or Roblox gives your child something to talk about at school—and even a way to play together in real life. It builds common ground.

Online Interactions Can Be Real and Valuable

Not every child thrives in face-to-face settings. For some—especially neurodivergent kids—connecting online is less overwhelming and more accessible. These interactions can still be meaningful, supportive, and authentic.

Quality Over Quantity: What Makes Screen Interactions Positive

It's not just if your child is online—it's how they’re connecting.

One-on-one chats, small group gaming sessions, or even FaceTime calls with friends or family? These mimic real-world interactions and help build strong social bonds.

In contrast, broadcasting to the masses (like on TikTok or Snapchat) or endlessly scrolling YouTube lacks that mutual connection. These forms of screen time tend to be more passive or one-directional, which can feel isolating rather than connecting.

Why Neurodivergent Kids Often Benefit from Online Communities

Research (like the “double empathy problem”) shows that autistic kids often communicate best with peers who share their neurotype. Online communities can be a haven for these kids—a place to be understood and accepted for who they are.

Organisations like the I CAN Network offer supportive spaces where neurodivergent kids can connect, grow confidence, and feel truly seen.

Signs Screen Time Might Be Hindering Social Development

While screens can help, there are times when they become part of the problem. Watch out for:

• Heightened anxiety or irritability when away from screens

• Low mood or disinterest in offline activities

• Withdrawal from in-person interactions, even with family

• Struggling with real-world social tasks, like asking for help or joining a game

These may be signs that your child’s screen use is tipping out of balance. If that’s the case, it could be time to talk to a GP or psychologist for support.

Finding the Right Balance

The goal isn’t to eliminate screens—it’s to help your child use them in a balanced way. If your child’s social connections (online or off) are meaningful, supportive, and reciprocal, that’s a great sign.

The best relationships—on-screen or off—are built on real connection, respect, and trust. Keep an eye on how your child is engaging, not just how much time they’re spending online.

For example, my own kids spent their public holiday morning on screens. But later, they took the dog for a walk together, chatting and laughing. That’s balance. And it’s what we’re aiming for.

Final Thoughts

Screens aren’t inherently bad—and they’re often a vital part of how kids connect in today’s world. Rather than fear them, let’s guide our kids to use them well.

So, focus on:

• The quality of connections, not just screen limits

• Supporting your child’s unique social style

• Staying curious about how they connect, online and off

You're the expert on your child—and when you parent with intention, even in the digital age, you're doing it right.