Screens Aren’t the Real Problem..
What Netflix’s Adolescence Reminds Us About Connection
I still remember lazy summer afternoons when my friends and I would wander the neighborhood, looking for our next adventure. We had no smartphones, no social media, no distractions—just each other’s company, and somehow that was enough.
By the time the digital world became a thing, I already knew who I was. My childhood was full of people—family, friends, and neighbors—who really saw me. They paid attention, listened, and accepted me for me.
My roots were solid: I felt real world connection.
I was lucky.
But what if a child never experiences that kind of deep, real world connection?
That’s the question Adolescence (Netflix’s new documentary) asks us to face. Like any good story, it prompts us to reflect on our own choices. It makes us think and question how we're raising on own kids in this digital world.
It directly reminds us that when kids lack a sense of belonging offline—when they aren’t feeling seen with their own family, friends and community—they now head online to find it.
Kids today are often immersed in digital spaces before they’ve had a chance to feel deep real world connection. Without that foundation, they can become lost—unsure of who they are, easily overwhelmed, and pulled toward online voices that don’t always have their best interests at heart.
Our kids needs offline roots first…
When they’re seen, heard, and responded to in real life, they develop an inner compass—one telling them they matter, that their feelings make sense, and that they’re not alone. This compass then guides them as they explore the online world.
Yes, establishing boundaries, setting screen-time limits, and teaching digital responsibility are all essential, but as parents, our first and most natural step in raising digitally healthy kids starts simply: by nurturing their real life connections.
So how do we grow real-world roots?
We focus on three main buckets…let’s start there.
Family - I’m a big believer that family dinners are non-negotiable. They’re our chance to press pause on the day, set phones aside, and be present together. When kids have a consistent space to share highs and lows (no judgment, no rushing), they learn that real conversation happens face-to-face.
Friends - We encourage face-to-face friendships whenever possible. That might mean inviting our kid’s friends over for a spontaneous playdate or letting them crash for an impromptu sleepover. Is it sometimes chaotic? 100%. But it’s a small sacrifice to make to help them build offline relationships that matter.
Community - Everyone in our family picks at least one group activity—whether it’s baseball, Scouts, or a local art class. It’s not just about keeping them “busy.” It’s about giving kids a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. They learn teamwork, empathy, and what it means to show up for others…
Want more practical examples? Check out 8 Ways to Help Kids Grow Real-World Roots in a Digital World
Start small, but keep it going…
You don’t have to overhaul your entire life in one day. Just start small: a shared meal, a kid meetup at a park, a commitment to something outside the house.
Slowly but surely, these real-world connections start to give your kids the grounding they need, so that when it’s time to go online…they use screens as a tool and not a replacement for connection.✌️
I'm Christopher Sciullo, and I write about Family Digital Wellness. I help parents balance their own tech use while guiding kids toward healthier screen habits—so we can all rediscover the wonder of life beyond the screen.