Dynamics of Children’s and Adolescents’ Social Development: The Role of Parenting Styles, Peer Relationships, Environment, and Social Media in the Digital Era

The dynamics of children’s and adolescents’ social development in the digital era are shaped by various interconnected factors, including the role of parenting styles in guiding social growth, the influence of peer groups on adolescents’ social behavior, the contribution of school and community environments in providing supportive social contexts, the impact of social media in shaping communication patterns and self-identity, and the integration of these factors that collectively form a holistic foundation for social development.

Abstract

This study discusses the social-emotional development of children and adolescents, which is influenced by
various factors, particularly parenting styles, peer interactions, school environments, and social media. This
topic is important because today’s young generation grows up in two environments simultaneously: the real
world and the digital world. The study uses a literature review method by examining relevant publications from
the past five years. The analysis shows that authoritative parenting, positive peer relationships, supportive school
and community environments, and wise use of social media play important roles in shaping their social-
emotional skills. Another finding highlights that parents’ digital literacy is still rarely discussed, even though it
is crucial for guiding children in using technology. Overall, social-emotional development is formed through the
interaction of multiple factors; therefore, collaboration among families, schools, and the digital environment is
needed to support healthy growth and development in children.