The Screenagers Blog

tech talk tuesdays

Can you commit to making one small change around a screen time habit for a specific amount of time and to discuss your plans with kids in your life. Today, I explore reasons why this helps our kids and offer plenty of examples of small changes to consider.

tech talk tuesdays

Every one of us parents has experienced episodes of pain because of our child’s pain. Our pain becomes exponentially worse when our kids face things such as serious mood challenges, drug challenges, etc. Add to that parents often feel judged by others for what is happening with their child. Moms have traditionally been the brunt of judgment. Today I share a story about what happened with me and three sisters and one of their daughters who has battled anxiety and depression.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I speak with a psychologist and researcher who has been working for decades to understand and prevent bullying. The word cyberbullying gets used A LOT by young people, and sometimes it's misused. Today I explore how to talk with our kids about cyberbullying and ways we can support them in our schools.

tech talk tuesdays

These are tough times for lots of kids and teens, and high on the list is anxiety concerning school. These feelings may be from social anxiety that existed before but accelerated during Covid or perhaps anxiety around possible virus transmission.Today, I write about creating a “Toolbox” of healthy coping strategies for anxious feelings and feature 2 incredible psychologist's ideas.

tech talk tuesdays

Pre, during, or post COVID, it’s equally challenging for us when our kids and teens resist what we know will help them. How do external rewards fit into all of this? Don’t rewards just crush internal motivation? And while we might “win” in the short term, aren’t we messing them up in the long run? And how does some clever social engineering as a parent fit into all this?

tech talk tuesdays

I am concerned about our youth, and science substantiates my worries as studies are reporting very high rates of mental health challenges. I’m calling on everyone to band together to find solutions. I have lots of ideas I explore with you today.

tech talk tuesdays

Spring cleaning time is here, and a spring reset is a good time to look at and make changes in your screen-time balance. I am not talking about some gigantic reset, just one or two small tweaks. Today I give 4 easy steps.

tech talk tuesdays

Feelings of compassion have been intensely visceral for me this year. It has made me reflect on books and podcasts that have influenced me in the far past and the near-present. Today I share a few that inspire compassion and insight that you can listen to or with your kids, or they can read or listen alone.

tech talk tuesdays

Online interactions can be the only clues to understand an interpersonal dynamic. Is someone not responding because they are busy? Or are they “Ghosting” you? Today I’m writing about “closing the loop” and other digital etiquettes.

tech talk tuesdays

A big shift has happened, a reset is remerging, and how we communicate as schools and families is critical. What types of committees will we make? How should such emails even be changed?

tech talk tuesdays

I have been thinking a lot about ways we can supplement our children’s learning this spring. Today I have ideas for 3 “Home Mini-Courses.”

tech talk tuesdays

Teen years are full of emotional landmines. For example, our kids might be a click away from seeing a post that feels like a huge slight and then spiral into intensely painful emotions that can last for weeks. Today I talk about how parents can help them through.

tech talk tuesdays

Not surprisingly, reports on porn use have shown an upswing of use during COVID. Today I have tips on how to have those necessary and challenging conversations about this with our kids and teens.

tech talk tuesdays

As a teenager, Cam Adair‘s video gaming habit took over his life. After several years and the help of counselors and family, he was able to quit. He’s now devoted his life to helping others quit and/or reduce their video gaming. Today he shares helpful insights for kids, teens, and parents.

tech talk tuesdays

The ways girls (and boys) are getting asked for sexually provocative photos and videos and how to help with a conversation — especially during Covid.

tech talk tuesdays

Are your kids experiencing a lack of motivation? Is it depression? Today I have strategies to help when you're challenged by your kids or teens’ lack of motivation — even if they are highly motivated, I have ways to help all young people.

tech talk tuesdays

Learn about findings on the effects on our youth of violence in video games and shows, what are the upsides and downsides of being desensitized to violence and aggression, and learn about hostile attribution bias.”

tech talk tuesdays

A new year is always a good time to look at our habits and consider goals. Some readers have asked me about my tech habits, and I realize that I have not shared them much. So today, I thought I would write some of my practices and goals for the new year.

tech talk tuesdays

Through research, we’ve also learned that hope can is a skill that can be acquired — hope is a combination of positive feelings and inspired action. Today I write about more how you (parents, caregivers, counselors, educators, etc.) can teach hope.

tech talk tuesdays

It is a REALLY hard time for our youth. This TTT is about ways to connect with our kids to give them pearls of insight to support their emotional wellbeing. A bonus is that such conversations help our kids be more equipped to help others, such as friends who are struggling, now or in the future.

tech talk tuesdays

I am jazzed today to share with you the top 10 blog posts of this past year. People found an array of topics extremely helpful, from gaming, to screen time during Covid, to podcast recommendations, to information about social media, and of course so much more.

tech talk tuesdays

I predict that based on the huge success of TikTok, the new similar features on Snapchat and Instagram are going to become very popular. Today I talked to some teens about these new services.

tech talk tuesdays

Video gaming has understandably gone up hugely during Covid distancing. Kids and teens have fun playing with friends—which is great—yet, there are risks and challenges. Today’s TTT addresses the mean and hurtful communication happening in gaming spaces.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I have picked some docs that are sure to expand your youth’s knowledge of the environment, society, politics, and most of all, human nature and the human condition. Also, I include discussion questions for some of the films.

tech talk tuesdays

I have 22 tech-free gift ideas that will inspire, entertain, stretch, and delight the whole family for this holiday season.

tech talk tuesdays

I find that people rarely talk about how nervous and self-conscious we humans can feel when we thank someone for something they did or said. And yet, so often, these uncomfortable expressions of gratitude are the truly meaningful ones.

tech talk tuesdays

I’ve been thrilled to hear that people are starting book clubs around my new book, Parenting in the Screen Age. To support these clubs, we are launching free “Chapter Clubs,” where each month I, and other experts, will guide a conversation around one of the ten chapters from my new book.

tech talk tuesdays

The newest game on the block is Among Us. Are your kids playing? Playing too much? Today I write about approaches to managing emotions around video game use during the pandemic.

tech talk tuesdays

The human condition is one in which some degree of pain, suffering, and loss are inevitable. What has helped me with this fact is anchoring onto a mantra that popped into my mind some years ago, which is "let love lead."

tech talk tuesdays

Staying on task and paying attention in a classroom online when pulled by many tabs and often phones nearby is intensely challenging. Today I share some solutions that kids have shared when it comes to studying online.

tech talk tuesdays

I have been asking kids and teens the following, “If you had a totally free Saturday, what would you choose — being at home communicating with friends over social media, or being with your friends in-person?” Every single time I get the same response: “being with my friends in-person.” Learn their surprising responses.

tech talk tuesdays

Many young people are feeling disconnected from friends and at the same time, others have been able to maintain a sense of closeness to friends. And, we, parents, are concerned about our kids in these incredibly challenging social times. Today I give tips for talking with your kids about appreciating any goodness happening in their friendships — and how the tech revolution has been helpful.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I am sharing an excerpt from the introduction of my new book, Parenting in the Screen Age, and a peek at the Table of Contents too. This book is all about how we, as parents, can feel as empowered as possible to help our kids maintain healthy screen time — whether during summer vacation, a busy school year or stuck quarantined through a pandemic.

tech talk tuesdays

Helping our kids find reliable information in the vast swamp of misinformation, disinformation, conspiracies, and propaganda on the internet and social media right now is crucial. To help our kids better understand what they are seeing and not passing on anything suspect, I give you a peek into the 3 questions fact-checkers start with when trying to validate a story.

tech talk tuesdays

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it is important to think and talk about this difficult subject with our kids this month. Today I share ideas about having such a conversation along with a link to a section of Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER that is dear to my heart and really touches those adults and youth who see it.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I am sharing some ideas for parents to help decrease tension in the home. Focusing on what we can do — rather than what others are doing that annoys us is key. Bringing down our own stress level works wonders to lower stress in the entire home.

tech talk tuesdays

As kids do school from home, how many will have ways to be physically active? And, if you are a parent that has a kid or teen that you have tried everything to get them to move and nothing works, I get you. I don’t have a magic bullet, but I do have some ideas today that may be helpful.

tech talk tuesdays

I have some big news! I have been working on a book for quite some time, and it is finally just about ready! It is titled, Parenting In The Screen Age: A Guide for Calm Conversations.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I discuss powerful research regarding how sleep deficiency can impact brain development. Having a calm conversation about the latest science of sleep and brain development before even broaching the ideas of new sleep rules can be effective.

tech talk tuesdays

Back to school during these COVID times. How to deal with cellphones at their side while kids are in class over Zoom? With school at home, staying off cellphones during classes will be a bigger struggle than ever before. Today, I give tips on how to set up for success.

tech talk tuesdays

I explore how social media messes with our kids' minds regarding attractiveness and how apps, such as TikTok, seem to be doing manipulations in ways that never occurred to me.

tech talk tuesdays

In today’s Tech Talk Tuesday, I want to share the more significant issue of trust in our internet age.

tech talk tuesdays

How the Nurtured Heart Approach 3-steps can make a big difference in the family dynamic. It helps by bringing attention to the positive and giving less energy to the negative. Today I explain how it works and break it down to make it easy to try.

tech talk tuesdays

Building a sense of "Can Do" and "Can Help" by helping out at home doing things otherwise known as chores — 20 ideas

tech talk tuesdays

Today I’m super jazzed to announce the official launch of the Screenagers Podcast! I have the first two episodes here for you, one about TikTok and one about video gaming.

tech talk tuesdays

In this week’s TTT I talk about a fascinating experiment and an interesting public health campaign that significantly changed youth behavior … and how that can be applied to reducing screen time.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I have 22 podcast recommendations for kids and teens (and adults will like many of these too). AND, I’m excited to announce that I will be launching my own podcast in the next few weeks!.

tech talk tuesdays

What are specific screen time behaviors that parents can do to demostrate the value of healthy screen time rules? And, how can they model the work that changing behavior entails?

tech talk tuesdays

Talking with our kids and teens about media, social media, and the immensely important issue of racial injustice is so critical right now. How do these platforms bring us together to find solutions? How do they fracture us and make finding solutions harder?

tech talk tuesdays

Here are some ideas of meaningful things to consider doing with your kids, or suggesting to them. From volunteering, to “Jewelry for Justice” to getting matched with a Sage, to learning about how local government works, and so much more.

tech talk tuesdays

We are experiencing an intensity that is hard to put into words, and we must help our kids emotionally and mentally navigate. Their social media feeds — which already were playing a major role in their lives during the pandemic — are roiling with taxing and painful posts of yelling, riots, death. It’s more important than ever to figure out effective ways to be engaged in our kids’ lives. Here are some ideas.

tech talk tuesdays

10 suggestions for improving study habits that when kids are doing their school at home, and homework. One is explaining the science of procrastination and the reasons for jumping into the hard stuff first can help. I cover this and much more today.

tech talk tuesdays

Today’s TTT is Inspired by a family who decided that because their school doesn't teach social-emotional learning they would integrate these concepts into their new normal of school at home. I give ideas on ways you can do this too.

tech talk tuesdays

Now with COVID-19, I thought it would be a great time to talk about what the heck mindfulness meditation is and why many people, including youth, find it useful for having more control of their focus, dealing with stress, helping with screen time issues and more.

tech talk tuesdays

One of my goals in writing weekly Tech Talk Tuesdays has been to help young people, through conversations, get more exposure to science in ways that are relatable and interesting to them — whether that’s about screen time, mental health, or other topics.

tech talk tuesdays

What are the potential costs of loads of certain screen time activities on our kids’ brain health and mood? Today we talk about ways to changes tech time that might help them feel better — even while keeping the same total amount of screen time?

tech talk tuesdays

Anxious feelings are understandably very high right now in youth given COVID-19. In today’s Tech Talk Tuesday I give you lots of ideas and resources to help your kids and teens with anxiety.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I am writing about ways that youth can safely help others via tech, and tech-free, during our world's intense COVID-19 crisis.

tech talk tuesdays

I believe that talking skillfully with the youth in our life about our emotions — past and present — and the ways we navigate such feelings, is one of the best resiliency teachings we can do as parents.

tech talk tuesdays

The intensity of all that is happening right now is so often overwhelming. Through all of this, I am continually moved by the kindness, love, and tenacity of young people. And it is about them that I write this right now.

tech talk tuesdays

I find myself at the frontlines of both the medical pandemic and the challenges of parenting. I will be working hard to connect with all of you and to help all of you connect as we move forward about COVID-19, loss of school and screen time issues.

tech talk tuesdays

When people get asked to rank their level of perceived stress, teens on average report higher levels than adults. Screen time and stress can be intertwined.

tech talk tuesdays

Four days from now, it is National Day of Unplugging. Now is a perfect opportunity to talk with youth about how they (and you) would feel about putting tech away for 24 hours for this National Day of Unplugging.

tech talk tuesdays

Recently I was with a teen who was jumping up and down as she exclaimed how she now had 10,000 followers and some 400,000 views on a video she had posted on TikTok. What does this increased chance of quickly getting a massive number of followers and views mean for our youth?

tech talk tuesdays

Why are a higher percentage of tweens and teens reporting depression symptoms than in the past? Today I want to talk about all the reasons why we might be seeing this rise, and I hope you will discuss these ideas with kids and students in your lives.

tech talk tuesdays

One of the central goals I have in my work is to help parents find ways to better give health knowledge and science literacy skills to their kids and teens. Today I share what medical providers use to help identify symptoms of depression.

tech talk tuesdays

Read my New York Times ‘ Letter to the Editor in response to a recent article that builds a case headlines that are confusing parents on what to do around screen time for their kids and the potential harm of these types of headlines …and provide a few solutions.

tech talk tuesdays

There are many ways our teens regularly experience rejection online. Today I give some ideas for ways to help them through those emotionally rough times.

tech talk tuesdays

I wholeheartedly believe that raising kids who can ask for help is one of the best resiliency skills we provide our children and teens. Today I write about many organizations and types of people that can lend support during emotionally hard times for your youth, and you.

tech talk tuesdays

One of the main ways that I stay grounded while raising emerging adults during our tech revolution is by reminding myself of the power of values. Today I go into what I call the Three C’s that help to guide my parenting.

tech talk tuesdays

Instagram recently started testing hiding Likes in the US. Today I explore what that looks like, and why they are interested in implementing this new view. Celebrities and others have talked about the positive emotional effect of hiding Likes. Are you your kids part of this experiment?

tech talk tuesdays

In SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age, you witness me trying to make a set of rules happen in our home. I made a contract, but I soon realized that to make it work, I needed to find ways to get my kids to participate in setting the guidelines.

tech talk tuesdays

Sharing podcast recommendations is something I do often with friends and colleagues. I wanted to share some of my recent picks for listening with the youth in your life.

tech talk tuesdays

I have more than 20 ideas for non-tech holiday gifts this year. And, many are things you can make yourself.

tech talk tuesdays

In online games with chatrooms, people with bad intentions can pretend to be any age. They can say they are a friend-of-a-friend as a way to enter the chat. Children are susceptible because they are unsuspecting, and by the time they may realize something is not right, shame and threats may already be in place to keep them quiet and scared.

tech talk tuesdays

We are making changes on Away For The Day. We are now advocating an away-for-the-day cellphone policy not just for middle schools but for high schools and, of course, elementary schools, too. Today we share experiences from trailblazers and resources for anyone to get the policy changed at their school.

tech talk tuesdays

How to promote shared discussions and shared experiences during this time? Thanksgiving’s themes of gratitude, empathy, and sharing are a perfect launching pad.

tech talk tuesdays

Have you ever felt like you were half-listening to your kids because you were distracted by your device? In a large survey of kids and teens, 32% reported feeling "unimportant" when parents used their cell phone conversations. In Today’s Tech Talk Tuesday I explore this issue.

tech talk tuesdays

Gaming, a new approach... how to help our kids and teens that just can't stop. China is setting curfews, but what can we do as caregivers to set limits in our homes... and why it's so important.

tech talk tuesdays

I thought it could not be possible, but for teens, ages 13 to 18, screen time has gone up by 42 minutes over the past four years. Teens now spend, on average, 7 hours and 22 minutes per day on screens, not including homework or schoolwork.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I'm sharing with you dozens of rules and solutions other families have come up with around how to keep devices out of the bedroom during sleep hours.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I explore the huge range of emotions that kids and teens experience from interactions online. It is so important to start a conversation about these emotions, so they can learn to better cope with painful situations elicited from internet interactions, be it small or big.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I share ways teens help reduce screen time for themselves. Everything from apps they use to hide it from themselves to purposely getting grounded from their phone.

tech talk tuesdays

Knowing how to lovingly and effectively be with your kids and teens as they experience difficult emotions and display challenging behaviors is immensely complicated.

tech talk tuesdays

Why the sequel to Screenagers? Adolescence is an emotionally turbulent time and yet there are many ways that schools and parents can give teens proven skills to better handle the turbulence.

tech talk tuesdays

There is a myth in our society that is pervasive and dangerous: challenging times need to be personal times and adversity in our families needs to stay private.

tech talk tuesdays

When your child’s homework assignment is online it can be an immense challenge for them to stay on task. Today I lay out several strategies to help.

tech talk tuesdays

I am excited to give some really important updates on how the Away For The Day movement is going and to offer new free resources.

tech talk tuesdays

Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience, a new movie coming in October. Stress, Anxiety and Depression and the impact of screen time and social media has on our youth’s mental wellbeing.

tech talk tuesdays

Before I put on my clinical hat and tell you lots of things I have found interesting about sleep research these days, I want to mention what some parents I have spoken with have told me. They tell me that their kids have devices in their bedrooms and their children are getting good about not using them by a certain hour. And my response is YES! AND … although this is probably true, once they hit the preteen and teen years and perhaps a boyfriend or girlfriend comes into the picture, or say another drama has really hit the road, or… – resisting devices can become impossible. (Not to mention they are tired so executive function, i.e. willpower and self-control goes down exponentially).

tech talk tuesdays

Facebook and Instagram told The Telegraph newspaper earlier this month that they would ban images that promote or glamorize eating disorders, particularly photos that promote self-harm.

tech talk tuesdays

What do our kids think about video games in terms of fostering connectedness? And what ideas do they have about how a game can address helping people improve their lives? Today I look at some of the upsides of video games.

tech talk tuesdays

It is with such a heavy heart that I am sharing this piece I wrote again about how to talk to our kids and teens about horrible news. The internet and social media make it essential that we get in front of these conversations quickly.

tech talk tuesdays

I am impressed by the number of tweens and teens who tell me they feel bad about spending a lot of time on screens. These young people say things like "I hate that I wasted the day away."

tech talk tuesdays

It is very common for teens to have two Instagram accounts or even three or four. Their main, public-facing one is referred to as their Rinsta (as in Real + Instagram). Their second account is called their Finsta (Fake + Instagram).

tech talk tuesdays

People often ask whether reading on an e-reader counts as screen time. In today’s TTT I explore this from all sides.

tech talk tuesdays

Both day and sleep-away camps provide great opportunities for kids to unplug, connect face-to-face with people of many different ages and learn new skills.

tech talk tuesdays

Last week I wrote about how to reset rules for summer. Here are some rules that people have generously posted on Facebook in response to this question we posted last week: “What are the summer screen time rules in your house?”

tech talk tuesdays

Summer’s wide open time spans can heighten battles over technology use. This is the perfect time to revisit your family rules and see what’s working and what’s not and come up with summer guidelines.