The Screenagers Blog

tech talk tuesdays

I hear from parents regularly about their frustrations that although they set limits around their phones and game consoles when it’s time to do homework, they then have found out that the child/teen simply resumes their social media interactions and gaming on their homework device, i.e. tablets, laptops or desktops.

tech talk tuesdays

Some analysts say the majority of YouTube videos people watch are discovered by the suggestions the company gives. That can be helpful... and harmful. What concerns me, beyond the time suck, is that algorithms are defining our children and forcing them deeper into silos.

tech talk tuesdays

Today I give tips and ideas for reaching beyond the screen and making a point of bringing your kids and teens to events and places they wouldn’t naturally gravitate toward. Also, I share with you a very short (6 min) documentary I made that few people have seen and just happens to be one of my most favorite pieces.

tech talk tuesdays

How do we achieve maximal mental focus in an overly wired and wireless world? I explore how to prune one’s digital life, getting it down to those technologies that truly help you.

tech talk tuesdays

In a world where parents can't always agree on what's best (let alone couples who are divorced or separated), an unwavering joint effort can be harder than it sounds. Thankfully, there are a few methods that can make calm compromise more likely.

tech talk tuesdays

I recently worked with my teen daughter to set up a fair consequence around one of her screen time rules. I also include several examples of consequences from other parents.

tech talk tuesdays

Happy New Year! I thought this would be a good time to revisit your plans to limit screen time this year and reduce struggles in your house. I’ve got a 3 part plan.

tech talk tuesdays

All these films can inspire meaningful conversations with teens and a few of the suggestions are appropriate for younger kids.

tech talk tuesdays

What incentives work to help decrease screen time for our kids (and ourselves)? Today we look at a contest a company is running that is offering 100K for someone to not use their smartphone for the year and whether these kinds of external motivations change habits.

tech talk tuesdays

Big news has hit us today about brain morphology and screen time and I want to weigh in as we all try to make sense of the findings.

tech talk tuesdays

Coming up with unique gifts for the holidays to help promote off-screen time for kids and teens is something I have enjoyed writing about in the past and jazzed to do again today.

tech talk tuesdays

Thanksgiving is this week, and I have some ideas about how to support more face-to-face interactions and fewer retreats into all our individual devices.

tech talk tuesdays

Often teens will say things online such as “hey you are cute” and other compliments. Teens tell me that they would not say these things face-to-face but online it is fun. I have tips and more to guide and support them.

tech talk tuesdays

Schools experience pressure to have tech on their campuses from tech companies, administration, and others. Schools want to do well by their students and tech has been sold as a quick fix.

tech talk tuesdays

I encourage parents to share their feelings with their children. It is not about burdening them with one’s anxiety or sadness or other emotions. It is about naming feelings and discussing them. This approach has been shown to be highly effective in helping youth develop greater emotional intelligence.

tech talk tuesdays

Last year Snapchat introduced Snap Map, a cartoon-looking map with Bitmojis of users positioned at their real-life locations. Did you know that It goes one step further than just showing where the kid is, it also can virtually show what they are actually doing?

tech talk tuesdays

Spending more time talking with youth about all the cool things on screens paradoxically makes them more receptive to talking about ways to limit screen time.

tech talk tuesdays

I am a big believer in working hard to teach my daughter and son, and myself, to continually be better planners. The less we rely on the phone as the escape route for changing plans, the more we work together to get our plans organized outside of school time. So I have really started to “HOLD THAT TEXT.”

tech talk tuesdays

Thinking about the apps that people develop for social good is a great topic to discuss with our kids and students. The more we can help them think of tech as a tool, (rather than just an entertainment and social center) the better.

tech talk tuesdays

Finally, Apple's "Screen Time" controls are here!! Read about how to use them how they can help manage kids' time on screens.

tech talk tuesdays

I often see siblings in parallel worlds for hours at a time, each in their personal screen silos. “The only time my sister talks to me is when she bangs on the bathroom door telling me to get out.”

tech talk tuesdays

“Does social media make you feel more or less depressed?” These answers and more a revealed in this comprehensive survey about teens’ emotional lives in this digital age.

tech talk tuesdays

It turns out swearing is on the rise and through all the media and social media youth are exposed to these days, they are seeing swear words like never before. That’s where our work as loving adults is required. Tips to opening a conversation.

tech talk tuesdays

New survey reports that 9/10 teens think they spend too much time online. See what teens are doing to curb their constant screen-time urges.

tech talk tuesdays

Changemakers are working to create learning environments free from cell phone distractions. Read more about the momentum.

tech talk tuesdays

Youth are facing these transitions with new forms of communication and self-presentation—yep, you got it...social media platforms. Today we explore the upsides and downsides in the age of constant contact.

tech talk tuesdays

Are you failing with screen rules? You are not alone. I have several suggestions to help you get back on track.

tech talk tuesdays

Parents share their summertime screen rules. What’s working, what’s not working. Parents helping parents.

tech talk tuesdays

Summertime brings a couple of long cars rides with my family, and when we have one coming up I curate podcasts that will resonate with my teenagers.

tech talk tuesdays

eSports, defined as competitive tournaments of video gaming, often by professionals, is popping up in arenas and gaming stadiums around the country.

tech talk tuesdays

I am really excited to write this week’s Tech Talk Tuesday because it is on a subject I care deeply about--documentaries.

tech talk tuesdays

My team and I have been surveying teenagers, boys and girls, about how, when, and why they choose to communicate via their many apps. Here’s the inside scoop from a 16-year-old girl.

tech talk tuesdays

Not only do jobs help prevent screen time overload during the summer, they can have many upsides.

tech talk tuesdays

I have heard from parents all over the country about their concerns that Fortnite will consume their kids’ time this summer. I recently interviewed a former gaming addict about his advice for parents around Fortnite and game addiction.

tech talk tuesdays

Summer break is a time for youth to breathe and explore their interests beyond school, but so often downtime becomes screen time. Summer’s wide open time spans can heighten battles over technology use. I have tips to help manage screen time.

tech talk tuesdays

Finally! Apple is releasing a software update to include several much needed ways for parents to easily program which apps can be used at specific times of the day, and much more. It will be a screen time control in the phone itself.

tech talk tuesdays

As this school year winds down, we are hearing from teachers, parents and principals from all over the country about how many have already or are in the process of changing their school’s cell phone policies.

tech talk tuesdays

30% of adults and the same percentage of youth report that they argue daily about screen time at home. I have suggestions about how to put more joy into parenting given the added stress that comes with the tech revolution.

tech talk tuesdays

“13 Reasons Why” is premiering this week. The first season raised alarms with many parents, teachers and principals. To get you ready we provide resources and conversation starters to prepare you ahead of the upcoming series.

tech talk tuesdays

Do our kids think we are good screen time role models? When I ask audiences of students if they think their parents are on their devices too much, generally two-thirds of the kids raise their hands. I have some tips to help you work on better modeling.

tech talk tuesdays

Let’s have a conversation about non-cellphone computers in schools—all the computers, iPads, Chromebooks and such. The question is not should computers be in schools but for what use and how often, and how much.

tech talk tuesdays

Focusing on homework with all the technological distractions is hard. I have 5 strategies to help you support your kids be more effective and stay on task.

tech talk tuesdays

What happens when you have an active, involved kid with good grades, who wants to play video games for three straight hours a day, every day? 3 experts weigh in.

tech talk tuesdays

How to talk to your teen about sexting... “What if their picture is shared without consent? What if their picture ends up in the wrong hands or the authorities find out?” These are questions we want our kids to ask themselves when presented with the decision to sext.

tech talk tuesdays

Are you a Parent Activist? Do you want to be? Read more about how to get involved with the "Away For The Day" movement.

tech talk tuesdays

Today, the Screenagers’ team and I are officially launching a website-based initiative to promote middle schools to adopt policies where phones are put away for the day in places like lockers.

tech talk tuesdays

Many influencers have been calling on technology companies to redesign their products to make them easier for parents to parent around. Industry insiders are finally publicly requesting that tech companies make changes.

tech talk tuesdays

Fortnite is the latest video game grabbing youth’s attention. Today I offer some ways to help open a conversation with your kid about it and how to figure out how much time playing this game is too much.

tech talk tuesdays

When a family with 4 kids take all screen time limits away for the weekend, it becomes clear how important limit setting is. Making and enforcing rules around tech time can be taxing, but for most, it is essential.

tech talk tuesdays

How do we get our kids and students to talk with us and think more deeply about the content of the “TV shows” they watch? In today's Tech Talk Tuesday I share 2 strategies I use with my own teens.

tech talk tuesdays

Do your kids spend too much time on social media? Today we explore ways to intentionally help our youth increase face-to-face connections with others.

tech talk tuesdays

Do your kids know digital etiquette? Today I share some of my family rules and 3 tips to help your kids build good digital manners.

tech talk tuesdays

Homework Hygiene is a term I coined and is about helping kids develop effective practices around homework such as writing to-do lists, developing the habit of prioritizing the list and checking things off.

tech talk tuesdays

Do your kids sneak and lie about tech time? Today we explore why kids lie and offer tips to manage this dishonesty.

tech talk tuesdays

Shopping has never been easier. Deals inundate inboxes and social media feeds. This temptation is hard to resist, especially if your self-control muscles are still developing like they are in our kids’ brains.

tech talk tuesdays

Tools, tips, and resources to open a conversation about cyberbullying with your teen. First, try using the words “online aggression” or “social cruelty” to avoid the teenage eyeroll.

tech talk tuesdays

Meditation, mindfulness and attention—and how they all relate to screen time. I've got some great apps for you and your kids to kickstart start a practice.

tech talk tuesdays

The main finding is alarming: The majority of middle schools (55%) allow students to carry a cell phone on them all day. Only 45% of middle schools require students put their phones away for the day. Yet, our survey found parents want something different.

tech talk tuesdays

Family time during the holiday is great….and complicated. It's easy to retreat into personal devices to soothe tense feelings. Instead, consider reaching for a board game whenever possible. I've got some suggestions

tech talk tuesdays

I find the holidays are a great time to slow down and enjoy some non-tech family fun. I’ve put together a list of some engaging, non-tech toys for your Screenagers.

tech talk tuesdays

The big buzz word these days is AI—Artificial Intelligence. Some of these home devices are very helpful, especially for the elderly. But, I do have concerns about their affect on the very young.

tech talk tuesdays

Not all screen time is created equal. There are small things we can do online to support the endeavors of our friends, families, and people in communities. I have suggestions.

tech talk tuesdays

Do you have a long car ride ahead or just looking for activities to do with your kids off screens? How about a podcast? Read about some of my favorites.

tech talk tuesdays

Children take in all kinds of media and messaging with little skill on how to make sense of it. Media literacy can be taught and I have some tools to help.

tech talk tuesdays

We can play a big role to play in teaching our children to be critical, and skeptical, and learning to identify trustworthy sources. It’s easy to perpetuate lies about personal things and inaccurate facts by blindly sharing and retweeting.

tech talk tuesdays

Does your kid freak out when screen time is up? Intense reactions to turning off video games are becoming too common. I have some suggestions on how to handle these situations.

tech talk tuesdays

The results of a new study found almost half of kids 8-years old and under have their own mobile device. What are the concerns of this new mobile reality?

tech talk tuesdays

I am a big believer that communication is a teachable skill. We can all learn more productive ways to handle in-person interactions. I have a fun way for you to work on communication skills with your kids.

tech talk tuesdays

TBH (To Be Honest) is an app meant to share positive vibes where users anonymously send and receive superlatives like “Best person to get a cup of coffee with." Ranking people has been around long before social media, but tech adds a new dimension.

tech talk tuesdays

Many kids were sleeping when the news of the Las Vegas shooting was first reported. But, when they woke up and looked at their phones they quickly found out. How do we help our kids with scary and tragic news?

tech talk tuesdays

In an app development class, kids came up with a voice-recognition app that would temporarily freeze their parents’ phones whenever the child’s voice is detected.

tech talk tuesdays

Have you ever considered making the car a screen-free zone? Two years ago my family decided to make the car a screen-free zone and great conversations have emerged because of this rule.

tech talk tuesdays

What if all pediatricians in the country have signs in the waiting room that said something like the following: "For children’s development, having times off screens is important. This doctor’s office is a ‘screen-free zone’ for kids."

tech talk tuesdays

The average high school starts at 7:59 AM, with some starting as early as 7:00 AM. Studies show lack of sleep affects our teens well being. Now, many schools are shifting their start times.

tech talk tuesdays

A principal in Washington DC challenged her 8th & 9th graders to forgo any type of screen time every Tuesday throughout the whole summer in exchange for $100.

tech talk tuesdays

A survey in the UK reveals that 3 of the 4 most popular social media platforms had a net negative effect on the mental well-being of young people.

tech talk tuesdays

Remember Andrew from Screenagers? The college student who struggled with an addiction to video gaming. We recently checked in with him to find out how he has been and what he is up to today.

tech talk tuesdays

Who ever thought that we would be living in a world where porn would just pop up unannounced on our screens? Porn is just a click away for so many of our kids and I strongly believe that we as parents need is to start talking about inappropriate media sooner rather than later. But what do you say and at what age?

tech talk tuesdays

Let’s face it—our kids are exposed to lots of media that is pure junk. So how do we expose kids to media that has positive messages but is not overly sappy? In my view, I think documentaries make for great media. Here's ten you and your kids can watch.

tech talk tuesdays

I hear from many pre-teen and teen girls that they or their friends have been asked by boys via social media to send nude pics. It is imperative that we try to have conversations with our sons and daughters about the pressures, internal and external, of looking “hot” and sending “hot” photos. We need to arm girls with ways to respond to pressures.

tech talk tuesdays

I just got back from a 3-week vacation with Meleah, my 13-year-old. She is a social teen who likes to “talk” to her friends via Snapchat, Facetime, and Instagram frequently. A week before we left she said: “Mom, I think I’m going to leave my iPhone at home.” I played it cool and just asked why. She said she needed a break. So, we went old school and turned it back to 2004.

tech talk tuesdays

School may be out, but summer reading is just heating up. I often get asked by kids in Screenagers’ audiences whether reading on an e-reader counts as screen time. While a screen is a screen, I highly encourage kids to read, whether it’s paper or electronic.

tech talk tuesdays

We've all lost track of time when using our phones. So many parents, myself included, want to make sure the screen time limits we've set are being followed by ourselves and our children. Luckily for us, there are several apps out there designed to manage screen time limits so we don't always have to.

tech talk tuesdays

If your child’s life has included a Minecraft phase, you know what I’m talking about. There’s the beginner level of the game that you play, walking from place to place collecting resources for survival, and there are the deeper levels, that can include creating entire neighborhoods to programming your own action sequences and building tools that you make available to other players.

tech talk tuesdays

I received a few emails this week about the appropriate age to buy a young person a smartphone. Data shows that younger and younger kids are getting smartphones —what is too young?

tech talk tuesdays

I am upset. Yesterday my teenage son Chase showed me the Discover feature on Snapchat. The Discover feature grabs content from a variety of sources — Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, CNN among many others and makes it accessible to anyone, including our kids. But what makes me so mad is that there is no way to remove or block the Discover Story feature on the app. So what do we do?

tech talk tuesdays

Last week, Harvard rescinded the acceptances of 10 incoming freshmen for posting racist, sexually offensive material on Facebook. As intense as the consequence may seem, this is an important reminder that nothing on the web is private, even private chat groups.

tech talk tuesdays

In the past couple of months, I visited schools where the teachers talked to me about concerns over kids and cell phones during field trips.

tech talk tuesdays

When I visit schools across the country, I am consistently surprised that students, parents and even teachers are frequently unsure of the cell phone policies at their school. Wouldn't it be great if we had data on how often middle schools allow students to have cell phones with them all day? And wouldn’t it be great if we knew what policies parents want?

tech talk tuesdays

One of the most interesting screenings of Screenagers was at a conference for addiction professionals. Did you know that about 1% of the U.S. population has a gambling disorder? It is almost double that in Hong Kong.

tech talk tuesdays

I strongly believe that one of the most powerful aspects of Tech Talk Tuesday is starting the discussion with something positive about the tech in our lives. If we really want to have effective dialogue that creates a lasting tech balance with our kids, we need to talk about the positives too. Believe me, your kids will want to hear this week’s TTT.

tech talk tuesdays

As Mother’s Day approaches I have been thinking about my mom and her support over the years, and I am also thinking of non-family important women who have also helped me when I was growing up. I call these women Mentor Moms.

tech talk tuesdays

A new study being presented this week at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting found that tablet and smartphone use by babies and toddlers correlates with a speech delay.

tech talk tuesdays

Last week we talked about the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” and how to talk to your kids about the hard subjects seen in the show. This week, we think it’s important to focus on what the teens think about the show and its provocative content. What are they saying about “13 Reasons Why?”

tech talk tuesdays

Teens all over the world are streaming the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why.” The series, based on the young adult novel by Jay Asher, explores hard issues like online bullying, rape, and suicide. Because youth today so often watch shows alone on their personal devices, it is imperative that we engage and have conversations with our teens about these intense subjects.

tech talk tuesdays

I just returned from Australia where I was rolling out Screenagers. All over the country, I heard exactly the same questions and concerns I’ve heard in the U.S. and in other countries: Why are we so glued to our devices and what is excessive screen time? A new book called Irresistible by Adam Alter looks at why everyone seems to be is so entranced by screens.

tech talk tuesdays

Families today are busy. Often everyone is running in different directions, and texting each other under the same roof is becoming the new normal. This disconnect in personal touch is troublesome. To keep our sanity, and our face-to-face conversations alive, my family follows four rules...

tech talk tuesdays

The season of spring break is upon us. With it comes the issue of what to do with your unstructured days. Let’s face it, so often down time has become screen time.

tech talk tuesdays

I am the first to say that I love multitasking. We know the brain can handle certain kinds of tasks at the same time like walking and chewing gum because those actions don’t rely too much on the frontal cortex. However, our brains can't adequately process the performance of two tasks at the same time when those tasks require some thinking.