Healthy Screen Use for Families

  

 

Many families have been struggling with managing screen time in their homes. It is important to consider several factors regarding the use of technology in your home. I have shared some resources below to help make decisions. 

 

 

Your Child’s First Phone: Are They Ready? (American Academy of Pediatrics) 

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Cell-Phones-Whats-the-Right-Age-to-Start.aspx 

 

Kids & Tech: Tips for Parents in the Digital Age (American Academy of Pediatrics) 

 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Tips-for-Parents-Digital-Age.aspx 

 

How can I help my child avoid eye and back strain from being on the computer? (American Academy of Pediatrics) 

 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/avoid-eye-and-back-strain-from-the-computer.aspx?_ga=2.85105049.1699780078.1652216809-1568848915.1651001146&_gl=1*jybs79*_ga*MTU2ODg0ODkxNS4xNjUxMDAxMTQ2*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTY1MjIxNjgwOS40LjAuMTY1MjIxNjgwOS4w 

 

My colleague and local psychologist, Dr. Anzalone, featured in the ABC special "Protect Our Children: Mental and Physical Stress" talking about the impact of screen time on kids and teens (last segment):  

https://abc7ny.com/protect-our-children-abc7ny-wabc-tv-special/11769066/ 

 

Glow Kids Tech Addiction Research 

http://www.drkardaras.com/research.html 

 

Resources from: InfoaboutKids.org Developed by APA Divisions 

https://infoaboutkids.org/relationships/screen-time/ 

CODA

One of the best movies I have seen was the deserving recipient of this year’s Best Picture award at the Oscars. CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) is a meaningful film that depicts themes of love, growing up, parenting, passion, family conflicts, strength, vulnerability, bravery, acceptance, fear of differences, unity, friendships, financial ability, and class differences. The music is beautiful. The language is visually beautiful. The pain is awe inspiring. CODA is inspiring. This film is worth the watch. Keep in mind that you can’t be on your phone the whole time while it is on because you will need to actually watch every scene as much is in sign language. This is the best way to watch movies (a gentle reminder to those who struggle with maintaining attention on one source of entertainment at a time). 

 

For some more excellent film recommendations, see:  

Eleven Films That Highlight the Best in Humanity https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/eleven_films_that_highlight_the_best_in_humanity#.YkH34noyFnM.twitter 

Turning Red

I was totally in after the first trailer I viewed. Turning Red is a movie that highlights and depicts some relevant social and emotional connections in a parent-child-family relationship as well as among peers. This film also highlights cultural traditions and diversity in a beautiful way. I will try and avoid spoilers as usual. Here goes.... 

For the average teenager, what would be SUPER embarrassing? If you guessed a parent unexpectedly breaking school rules to show up unannounced to bring you a forgotten (super) personal item in front of all your peers, you would be right. If you guessed a parent showing your crush (who has NO IDEA you feel this way) pictures you drew of them in an effort to protect their teen, you would also be right. You can watch the full movie for some more examples and hopefully laugh (or cringe). 

Another element I loved about this movie- it is set in the early 2000s. For those of us who were teenagers in the 90s or early 2000s, the film’s references are very relatable. The protagonist and her main group of friends are really into a boy band (If you don’t already know this about me: BSB 4eva!) and this is a primary focus of making decisions as a growing teenager. Friends develop a plan to earn money to go to a concert and learn some surprising things about each other, their families, and peers.  

A central theme in Turning Red is the idea of feeling, identifying, and managing your emotions. When strong emotions are experienced, there are resulting behavioral and physical changes. We see the valuable impact of unconditional acceptance, relaxation, and mindfulness on present experiences and character development.  

As a parent, it is natural to want to protect your child. Our kids grow up so fast. The days can feel like they last forever sometimes but the years pass quickly. Adolescence is a time of growth, testing of limits, exploration of independence, learning about family culture, and discovering of one’s own belief systems. It can be so rewarding yet difficult to observe this process and guide your teen without being overbearing.  

I hope you consider watching Turning Red and enjoy it. Maybe you will be able to relate to some of these themes! 

Play

What a joy it is to see children playing at a park, playground, in school, and at home. This unstructured time is important for cognitive, emotional, social and physical development. As adults, we sometimes forget the power of play in childhood (and in our own lives).  

I love seeing the joy of exploring the world, nature, and new friends at the park or playground. It is fun to watch my boys and other kids learn to roll down big hills again and again. Simple, pure, childhood fun. 

I encourage you to get outside and play. Adults can have fun too! Laugh with your kids, roll down hills, and play tag. 

We can play inside too. Resist the urge to use or give a screen. Try a puzzle, book, board game, or conversation. Here are some more suggestions:  

 

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/Pages/Indoor-Play-Ideas-winter.aspx 

Digital Minimalism

 Happy New Year! I hope you have had a healthy start to 2022.

Let’s look at one, probably large, aspect of your life together- the role of technology.

 

How much of a role does technology play in your life? Are you overwhelmed with social media comparisons, email checking, or continuous text conversations? Do you feel satisfied with how you spend your time? Are you having difficulty watching a full-length movie without scrolling on your phone at the same time? Does your smartphone attend all of your meals with you? Do you doom scroll? Have you been caught up in online gaming or passive video watching? 

It is not my intention to overwhelm you with questions. Rather, my hope is to inspire some thoughtful consideration of your use of time. 

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport is an excellent book that details the background on the development and use of technology and practical strategies to help make meaningful use of our time with our devices.  

Here are some ideas of the types of changes we can make to get the most meaningful use out of technology: 

-Decide what basic aspects of technology you need at a minimum. For example, when is the most important times for you to have access to your cell phone? Do you need to have Instagram installed on your smartphone? Do you need access to email for work or school overnight? 

- Consider which friends and family you want to keep in touch with and arrange to continue communication via video, phone call, or in person. Use text for planning to speak with someone instead of ongoing conversations. 

-Always make eye contact with your significant other and children when you are using a device and they try to get your attention. You can let them know when you will be available if you can’t spend time right then and there.  

-Explore which people and groups you want to be connected with on social media and identify the purpose for each one. For example, do you want to see pictures of your cousin’s baby or keep up to date with a school fundraiser? 

-Make a workable schedule for checking e-mail, social media, and apps. Limit your use to only the most meaningful interactions.  

--Spend more time outside in nature. 

I hope you discover some new interests!