"According to a study published in 2024, one of the strongest predictors of a child's screen time is a parent's screen time. "If you don't want your teens to be looking at their phones at the dinner table, you should not be taking out your phone at the dinner table either," says psychologist Jean Twenge, author of the book 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, published in September."
"It's hard to tear away from our devices when we're inundated with seemingly pressing requests: time-sensitive emails, messages from the big boss, calls from faraway family or the doctor's office. If you're with your family, say, at a baseball game or a birthday party, and would prefer to be off your device, do a quick reality check, Milovidov says. Ask yourself: "Is this necessary right now? Is this urgent?" If not,"
Parental screen time strongly predicts children's screen time, so reducing parental device use can lower children's exposure. Household management often requires online access, making moderation rather than elimination a realistic approach. Parents should assess whether notifications or tasks are urgent before responding and defer non-urgent items. When device use is unavoidable around family, brief explanations can prevent hurt feelings from "phubbing." Modeling limited, purposeful technology use frees time for sleep, in-person friendships, exercise and reading, and strengthens family connection. Consistent moderation and clear expectations teach children balanced digital habits.
Read at www.npr.org
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]