I used to think the ability to have self-control was determined at birth. While making Screenagers I learned that there are a variety of strategies parents can use to improve self-control. There are studies in which parents are trained to help their kids gain self-control, and researchers are able to measure actual improvement. A key way to teach kids self-control around tech time is to set up clear guidelines: State times the child should not be on their device and then give incentives for adhering to them. Their newly learned ability to self-regulate then flows over to other areas where will-power is needed.
So for today's TTT have a conversation with your family and get their input about self-control (some people like the term will-power better).
What is something that each person your family feels out of control with?
Are there certain tech times that feel out of control? Texting? Snapchatting? Gaming? Gaming while doing school work? Facebook for mom and dad? Working on the computer? Shopping on the computer? Liking pictures on Instagram? Strolling through Pinterest?
Talk about how it feels when tech time seems to control you? Having conversations about the feelings will get everyone thinking about this issue and that is a huge step.
I'd love to hear how it went. Share your ideas at the top of this page.
Warmly,
Delaney
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
I used to think the ability to have self-control was determined at birth. While making Screenagers I learned that there are a variety of strategies parents can use to improve self-control. There are studies in which parents are trained to help their kids gain self-control, and researchers are able to measure actual improvement. A key way to teach kids self-control around tech time is to set up clear guidelines: State times the child should not be on their device and then give incentives for adhering to them. Their newly learned ability to self-regulate then flows over to other areas where will-power is needed.
So for today's TTT have a conversation with your family and get their input about self-control (some people like the term will-power better).
What is something that each person your family feels out of control with?
Are there certain tech times that feel out of control? Texting? Snapchatting? Gaming? Gaming while doing school work? Facebook for mom and dad? Working on the computer? Shopping on the computer? Liking pictures on Instagram? Strolling through Pinterest?
Talk about how it feels when tech time seems to control you? Having conversations about the feelings will get everyone thinking about this issue and that is a huge step.
I'd love to hear how it went. Share your ideas at the top of this page.
Warmly,
Delaney
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
Sometimes, I sit down to write this blog with a huge smile on my face — this is one of those times! 😊 When COVID hit, I worried about young people feeling isolated. I knew peer-to-peer programs could be powerful, but I realized there were almost none focused on navigating online challenges. So, over two and a half years, with the help of some brilliant peers, professionals, and teens we developed Boosting Bravery — a free mental wellness club that aims to provide students with knowledge and practical skills to thrive in their online and offline lives. Now, I’m thrilled to publicly launch this program that schools can access for free.
READ MORE >
‘Hookup Culture’—it’s a phrase that gets tossed around all the time, but what does it really mean? More importantly, how does it shape young people’s relationships, self-worth, and social expectations? The term makes it seem like all teens and young adults are participating, comfortable with it, and accepting of it as just the way things are. But wait—not so fast. Today, I’m sharing insights from teens I spoke to in my recent podcast on this topic, along with myth-busting information from Dr. Lisa Wade who offered advice for parents.
READ MORE >
This blog explores how children often perceive parental love as conditional, linked to their achievements. It offers insights on fostering unconditional love, with reflections and practical questions to help parents ensure their children feel valued for who they are, not just for what they accomplish.
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
