Parenting in the Digital Age
Parenting is widely referred to as the most difficult job in life. Over the past decade, it has become significantly more challenging as children's use of digital media has grown exponentially. During the same period, the rate of childhood mental health disorders has doubled. Parents must make complex decisions around digital devices, screen time, social medial, video games, and Internet access, with limited guidance from professionals but abundance opinions from friends and relatives.
As a parent of two elementary school aged boys, I have had to struggle with these issues. As a professor of and a practicing family and psychotherapist, I have been in the position of helping other families struggling with these same issues. So, when I given a chance to write a sabbatical to update my knowledge, I knew exactly what I wanted to study: what the science says about screen time, the brain, behavior, and mental health for children and families. I am sharing what I learned on this website to help others wanting to navigate this difficult new area of parenting.
No Easy Answers, But Some Reliable Information
Although everyone seems to have an opinion, I can assure you that there are no easy answers to guide parents on how to manage their children's screen time and use of digital devices. The experts do not provide a one-size-fits-all solution that works for every child or every family. Either extreme—avoid all screen time or don't monitor at all—is riddled with pitfalls. Parenting today demands educating yourself on screen time and its affects on children and then making informed choices about how to protect and guide your child on how to engage with the digital world that surrounds them. This website is designed to help you do just that by:
- Carefully reviewing the existing science and its implications for families
- Providing a simple list of age-specific recommendations
- Offering practical resources for managing children's screen time
Our Children Are Connected
Only a few years ago, screen time meant television time. However, fewer children are watching television and more are using tablets, computers, and smart phones. At an early age, most children have not only access to digital devices but are owners.
Access to Devices
•16% of 3-4 year olds have their own Tablet
•44% of 5-15 year olds have their own Tablets (that 60% of children under 15)
•32% of 8-11 year olds have their own smart phone
•78% of 12-17 year olds have their own smart phone
Hours Per Day Screen Time (All Forms)
•4.5 hours for 5-7 year olds
•6 hours for for 8-12 year olds
•9 hours per day for 13-19 (total time online and connected)
Access to Devices
•16% of 3-4 year olds have their own Tablet
•44% of 5-15 year olds have their own Tablets (that 60% of children under 15)
•32% of 8-11 year olds have their own smart phone
•78% of 12-17 year olds have their own smart phone
Hours Per Day Screen Time (All Forms)
•4.5 hours for 5-7 year olds
•6 hours for for 8-12 year olds
•9 hours per day for 13-19 (total time online and connected)
Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health Doubled with Social Media and Smart Phones
The rates of mental health issues in youth have significantly increased in the past decade with over 50% of children 4-17 having a diagnosable mental health disorder before age 18. Of these, 21% (1 in 5) have a severe mental health disorder. The rise in mental health issues is correlated with increase in social media and smartphone use.
ADD/ADHD: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
▪ 11% of 4-17 year olds
▪ 6.2% on medications, Schedule II controlled substance
Depression and Anxiety
▪ 30% of 13-18 year olds have anxiety disorder
▪ 15% of 13-18 year old have mood disorder
Youth Suicide
▪ Completed youth suicide rates increased 25% in the last 15 years
▪ Hospitalization for youth with suicidal thoughts has doubled in past decade
▪ 2nd most common cause of death for 15 to 24 year-olds
▪ 3rd most common cause of death for 10 to 14 year-olds
Source: Centers for Disease Control
ADD/ADHD: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
▪ 11% of 4-17 year olds
▪ 6.2% on medications, Schedule II controlled substance
Depression and Anxiety
▪ 30% of 13-18 year olds have anxiety disorder
▪ 15% of 13-18 year old have mood disorder
Youth Suicide
▪ Completed youth suicide rates increased 25% in the last 15 years
▪ Hospitalization for youth with suicidal thoughts has doubled in past decade
▪ 2nd most common cause of death for 15 to 24 year-olds
▪ 3rd most common cause of death for 10 to 14 year-olds
Source: Centers for Disease Control
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