Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development

MEET THE MODERATOR 🥁 How much are children and teens using #AI companions – and what draws youth to them? Learn about the new frontier of social AI and children from the Head of Research at Common Sense Media Michael Robb, Ph.D., at the next #AskTheExperts webinar “AI Companions and Kids: What You Need to Know” on Wednesday, December 10 at 12pm ET via Zoom. Register now 🔗 https://bit.ly/49ZLROb #DigitalWellness #ChildDevelopment #DigitalMedia

Many families experience conflict and stress when talking about children's readiness (or not) for their own smartphone - how can caregivers approach these conversations in a way that positively motivates kids? 👩🦰📱👧 In this clip from the newest episode of #ScreenDeep, Adam Pletter, PsyD, introduces two powerful words - "Not yet" - that can be used to defuse tension and set the stage for a process where children can progressively demonstrate behavioral readiness for increased digital privileges. Tune in now for more from this episode, including: 📱How to spot the signs that a child may be able to handle the responsibility of smartphone ownership ⚠️ Why parents and caregivers should plan ahead for adult content exposure when considering the introduction of a smartphone 📴 How easing into personal device ownership with a less-connected “dumb” device is often helpful to prepare children for full smartphone access 🙍 Strategies to navigate conflict around child smartphone ownership and media use 🗳️ How to advocate for safer smartphone design that defaults to child safety and privacy 🧑🧑🧒 Why parental controls and family media plans should be part of an evolving and collaborative conversation with kids around screen use Listen: https://bit.ly/4idbpcz #ChildDevelopment #Podcast #ParentingTips

Holiday shopping? 🎁 Before you check that first smartphone off your child's wishlist, ask yourself: “Is my kid ready?” Use Children and Screens’ expert-backed “Smartphones: Assessing Readiness” #TipSheet to help you determine if your child is demonstrating the developmental and behavioral signs of readiness for their own powerful pocket computer: https://bit.ly/3SuIAxb Already bought the phone? Check out the other smartphone tip sheets “Smartphones: Preparing for Healthy Use” and “After the Smartphone: What Now?” in #LearnAndExplore today! #Smartphone #DigitalMedia #ChildDevelopment

BREAKING -- Tune in to an important House Energy & Commerce Committee hearing on a package of child online safety bills, including #KOSA and #COPPA2.0, Tuesday, December 2: https://bit.ly/4irIFgq #DataPrivacy #SocialMedia #MentalHealth #Cyberbullying

13 billion dollars are spent each year marketing largely unhealthy foods to children. Online food advertising influences not only what children desire to eat, but how much they eat, with long-lasting impacts on their health. How can you as a parent protect your child from the effects of food #advertising? 🍕📲 Watch the full recording of the #AskTheExperts webinar “Online Marketing and Children’s Eating Habits: What to Know and What To Do” to learn more about: ✅ Why some children are at greater risk for experiencing negative effects from food ad exposure ✅ How digital ads influence children’s cravings and reward systems ✅ How influencer marketing can impact parents as well as children Stream the webinar NOW: https://bit.ly/4i8o3JL

Parenting a toddler can be challenging — how can a child's temperament affect parent stress levels and media use? A recent cross-sectional survey study found that parents who reported their toddler as having a difficult temperament also experienced greater parenting stress, which was linked to greater problematic smartphone use among parents, regardless of the parent’s gender. Read the study: https://bit.ly/4p2EYAa Learn more about how stress and #DigitalMedia use affect parent-child relationships in Episode 21 of the #ScreenDeep podcast “Ditch the Guilt.” 🔗 https://bit.ly/4q1VXn4 #Parenting

Teens and tweens are increasingly engaging with AI “friends” — what does this mean for forming social connections outside of digital devices? What are the risks from these types of #AI technologies on youth #MentalHealth and well-being? 🧒📲 Join us for the last #AskTheExperts webinar of the year “AI Companions and Kids: What You Need to Know” on Wednesday, December 10, from 12pm-1:30pm ET via Zoom. Register now 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ildkM7 Learn from a panel of researchers, psychologists, and child psychiatrists about how youth use social AI companions, how that use may shape development, and practical ways to protect children from risks to mental health and safety. #DigitalWellness #ChildDevelopment #DigitalMedia

Neurodivergent children have unique considerations when it comes to healthy digital media use, from how to help ADHD youth balance distraction to managing emotional regulation. Children and Screens’ research-based resources in #LearnAndExplore provide insight and tips to help parents and caregivers evaluate media use with a nuanced understanding of neurodivergent children's needs, including: 🎧 #ScreenDeep Podcast 👨👩👧👦 Parenting #TipSheets 🎥 #AskTheExperts Shorts 📖 "Handbook of Children and Screens" ➕ Plus more Browse the #LearnAndExplore resource library now! https://bit.ly/4i4Y1W4

Executive Director Kris Perry sits down with First 5 California Executive Director Jacqueline Wong to speak on her new appointment as Commissioner, her decades-long advocacy for children and families, and her inspiring career journey. Watch the full interview now!