Episodes

Dec 10

What is the social cost of looking at your phone when in the company of other people? Is smartphone and social media use making us less connected, more lonely, and addicted to the endless videos on our feed? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry discusses the ways people are becoming more attached to their phones and less connected to others with Dr. Meredith David, Associate Professor of Marketing at Baylor University. Drawing on her diverse portfolio of research, Dr. David shares evidence on how social media use contributes to feelings of loneliness and FOMO, how design features of popular short form video platforms facilitate addictive behaviors, and how “phubbing” – phone-snubbing – negatively impacts a myriad of social relationships. In this episode, you will learn: What a nine year study shows about how social media use and loneliness influence each other. How a “negative cycle” can form between people using their phones in front of each other, reinforcing more phone use in front of others. What a consensus study from more than 120 leading researchers says about social media, sleep, and attention. Why short-form video platforms are so addictive – and which platform is designed to be the most addictive to use. How excessive use of short-form video platforms affects self-control and contributes to what many people call “brain rot.” For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Nov 19

A child’s first smartphone is a modern "rite of passage" and today's parents face a challenging decision – when is the right time? Peer pressure and fear of missing out loom heavily, yet there are significant risks to introducing a smart device before a child is ready. On this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry talks with psychologist and creator of iParent101, Dr. Adam Pletter, about developmental readiness and practical steps for safely introducing a “pocket-sized computer” that allows access to the entirety of the internet. Drawing on his clinical experience and work with both parents and adolescents, Dr. Pletter describes the signs parents can look for to determine whether a child is ready for a smart device, the benefits of parental controls and family communication, and what to do if a child was given access before they were ready. In this episode, you will learn: 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. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Oct 29

Should phones be allowed in the classroom? On this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry talks with Dr. Abraham Flanigan, an associate professor of educational psychology at Georgia Southern University about what phones actually do to attention, memory, and classroom climate. Drawing on his research on digital distraction, Dr. Flanigan sheds light on what teachers and students really think, what changes after phones go away, and perspectives on the utility and impacts of limiting device-use in the classroom. The discussion also addresses how some approaches are more effective than others in engaging students and maintaining rapport. In this episode, you will learn: What the latest research shows on how phones in the classroom affect focus, motivation, self-regulation, and grades. Why multitasking is cognitively impossible. How smartphone use leads to a "dopamine loop" in the brain that can interfere with motivation for other tasks. How students and educators feel about school smartphone bans. Why student smartphone access during school emergencies may actually make them less safe. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Oct 8

Parents increasingly recognize how family screen time shapes child development. But that awareness can bring guilt or shame when digital devices creep into daily life. On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry talks with Dr. Lara Wolfers, a leading researcher on how stress and guilt intersect with family media use, and Assistant Professor of Digital Lives and Head of the Center of Digital Lives at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Dr. Wolfers explains when guilt can be constructive versus when it can be harmful to the parent-child relationship. She offers suggestions for navigating societal pressures and daily demands, and encourages parents to practice self-compassion. In this episode, you will learn: How parents use media for coping and media use links to stress and guilt. Why social standards around limiting digital media use can cause guilt and stress—yet also help adults curb their own use around children. How parent guilt and stress around screen habits can negatively impact parent-child relationships. Why being more intentional with media use can restore control and ease guilt and stress. Why there is a disconnect between how we judge others’ media use vs. our own use. Which variables matter when deciding if screen time is “good” or “bad.” For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Sep 17

Social development for today’s youth often includes navigating online social cruelty, such as cyberbullying and non-consensual sexting. On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by cyberbullying expert Dr. Elizabeth Englander, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, to discuss her research on teens’ online social behaviors, including cyberbullying and sexting, and her perspective on how to help youth develop resilience with these challenges. Dr. Englander addresses the risk factors associated with these behaviors, including why children engage in them, potential mental health impacts, and who is most vulnerable. Parents will find actionable guidance on how to intervene proactively by initiating conversation, as well as what to do if you suspect your child is a victim of cyberbullying. In this episode, you will learn: How today's technology and the "mob effect" can facilitate cyberbullying and amplify unintentional online cruelty, with longstanding impacts on children. Why even “popular” or self-confident children aren’t immune to cyberbullying. How to prepare children for use of smartphones and other digital devices – and the protective effect of doing so. Why girls are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of cyberbullying and non-consensual sexting. What to do if you suspect your child if is being cyberbullied. Best practices for helpful and productive conversations with youth about cyberbullying and sexting. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Aug 27

Many people think of mental health disorders as arising later in childhood or adolescence. However, there is increasing evidence that even young children can experience mental health problems like anxiety and depression. On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by Joan Luby, a Professor of Child Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine and an expert in early childhood mental health. Dr. Luby discusses how to identify mental health problems in preschool-aged children, and the role of screens in exacerbating these issues. Drawing on her clinical experiences and research, she provides suggestions for parents on how to promote the best socio-emotional outcomes for their young children. In this episode, you will learn: How improved diagnostics tools are helping to identify psychiatric and mood disorders in children as young as three years old. What unique signs and symptoms to look for in young children that may indicate they are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other concerns. Why considering environmental factors is important when evaluating child mental health. How high amounts of screen use by young children can impact their mental health and social/emotional regulation. The five essential ingredients young children need to thrive. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Aug 6

From parent and school restrictions on smartphone use to the design of the latest AI tools, what does it mean to center children’s own perspectives and rights in ensuring safety in their online worlds? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry sits down with Sonia Livingstone, Professor at the London School of Economics and leader of the Digital Futures for Children centre and the Five Rights Foundation, to explore the intersection of children’s rights, parental mediation, and public policy in the digital world. Drawing on her research and policy work, Dr. Livingstone describes how parents can best help mitigate online risks, and how policies should help protect children from harmful online content and mechanisms while reinforcing their rights to privacy and autonomy. Dr. Livingstone emphasizes the importance of talking to children to learn how they feel about various technologies and incorporating their insightful perspectives into both household rules and macro-level policy. In this episode, you will learn: What children themselves say about the kinds of support they need from parents and communities. Research results on the most effective parenting strategies for keeping children safe online How income, access, and background shape online safety risks. How the new AI Design Code could help developers prioritize children’s safety in in design. Why addressing harmful algorithms through regulation of online platforms is key to increasing child online safety. What the latest research says about the effectiveness of school phone bans and their impact on learning and child well-being. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Jul 16

How are screen-based reading and writing, along with the growing use of generative AI by youth, shaping children’s development of foundational literacy skills? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry explores these nuanced questions with Dr. Naomi Baron, Professor Emerita of Linguistics at American University and a leading expert on reading and writing with technology. Dr. Baron outlines how reading and writing look differently on screens versus print, and what students think about the benefits and drawbacks of using each. She then dives into the research on generative AI and how tools like ChatGPT may be altering the reading, writing, and critical thinking process of young learners. In this episode, you will learn: How the development of reading and writing skills interact with cognitive and social skills and identity development. What research says about comprehension from reading print versus digital formats – and how that differs from our personal perceptions. Why engaging e-books may distract children from becoming strong, focused readers. What recent studies show about differences in brain activity when writing by hand, typing, or using AI like ChatGPT for writing – and why it matters for learning. Positive ways to use AI with children to spark creativity and boost critical thinking. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Jun 25

The relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health issues like anxiety is complex, and researchers continue to probe the mechanisms and causalities that may be involved in this relationship. In this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry talks with Dr. Sarah Myruski, Assistant Research Professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania State University about recent neuroimaging findings that indicate an important role for emotion regulation skills in the association between anxiety and social media use. Dr. Myruski delves into her work on adolescents and social media use, exploring how brain imaging tools are helping to define how preferences for communicating emotions online and coping strategies relate to differences in emotion regulation and risk for anxiety. Dr. Myruski also provides important insights for parents about how their support can play a powerful role in helping their child’s emotion regulation skills. In this episode, you will learn: How brain science helps us understand emotion regulation and anxiety. How adolescent preferences for digital communication may relate to anxiety and which youth are most vulnerable. Why age may affect the way youth use digital media to cope with stress. How anxiety may work to make neutral or ambiguous stimuli seem threatening. What type of parenting behavior best supports development of healthy emotional regulation. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Jun 4

Boredom is a common and frequently misunderstood psychological state for adults and children alike. On this episode , host Kris Perry goes deep with leading boredom researcher James Danckert, PhD, a Professor of Neuroscience at University of Waterloo. Dr. Danckert explains the unique neural state of boredom, dispels both positive and negative myths about it, and explains how boredom is distinct from other feelings. Sharing research that indicates boredom is on the rise, Dr. Danckert delves into how boredom is a “call to action” that can be motivating, and how it relates to other issues like attention, loneliness, self-control, multitasking, and increased digital media use. In this episode, you will learn: Why boredom isn’t just a lack of stimulation, but an active, complex psychological state. What neural imaging studies show about people who are prone to boredom. How boredom proneness relates to attention, focus, ADHD, depression, anxiety, self-control, media multitasking, and loneliness. The important difference between encouraging “down time” instead of boredom for children. Why children are more prone to boredom than adults. Research findings on the relationship between boredom proneness and problematic smartphone use. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

May 14

Parents and caregivers today face what can feel like momentous and fraught decisions about how and when to introduce new technology to children — whether that be an iPad for a toddler or a smartphone for a tween. In this special episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry talks with a leading voice on digital parenting and youth development, Dr. Jenny Radesky. A Professor of Pediatrics at University of Michigan Medical School and co-Medical Director of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, Dr. Radesky provides invaluable advice for parents on all things digital media, from a nuanced view on how to determine when a child is ready for new tech to tips on evaluating the quality of children’s programming. She describes how digital media can displace important experiences for children’s learning and growth, and how parents can minimize harm and maximize the benefits of family digital media use. In this episode, you will learn: How to spot the developmental signs that a young child may — or may not — be ready for tech introduction. Quick tips for evaluating whether media content for children is of high quality — or should be avoided. What research shows about using screens to calm children — and its impact on building the skills needed for emotional regulation. Why the “daily frictions” and “tiny dramas” of life are essential for building children’s resilience and coping skills. Why restricting child access or time spent on digital media is not effective as a parenting tool — and what to try instead. Key signs a teen or tween might be ready — for their first smartphone. How digital media and experiences are designed to hook the brain’s reward system, rather than develop problem-solving skills. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Apr 23

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence systems continue to be deployed rapidly for use in commonly available tools online. How do today’s AI technologies affect children’s development? Will accessible AI tools erode children’s critical thinking skills? Will chatbots disrupt children’s ability to socialize properly? On this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry explores these timely questions with Dr. Ying Xu, Assistant Professor of AI in Learning and Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Xu draws on her research and emerging insights from the field in a nuanced discussion of how children currently think about AI technologies, and the potential risks and benefits of AI for children’s cognitive and social development. She provides suggestions for the ethical development and implementation of AI, with an emphasis on including children in the design process. In this episode, you will learn: How children are interacting with generative AI and other new AI tools. What the latest research says about AI’s impacts on children’s social development. Where AI can support children’s learning - and where it risks “outsourcing” independent thinking and critical problem-solving skills. How to tell whether an AI product is appropriate for a child at a specific age. What AI developers could do to make AI tools safer and developmentally-appropriate for young users. Why “co-learning” with your children is essential as AI tools continue to evolve. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Apr 2

Neurodivergent children’s relationships with technology is subject to many common myths and misconceptions: Does digital media use cause ADHD? Do children with autism have more affinity for screens? In this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry and Dr. Meryl Alper, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Northeastern University, address these myths and what her research on digital media and neurodivergent youth can tell us about how they experience media use and potential overuse. Dr. Alper describes in detail the unique opportunities and risks of digital media for children with autism and ADHD, and provides actionable tips for parents, clinicians, and children’s media companies to best accommodate and include children across the spectrum of neurodiversity. In this episode, you will learn: The risks and benefits of media use for neurodivergent youth. How to think beyond “time spent” on media to evaluate healthy or problematic use. Why platforms like TikTok are popular for self-diagnosis and identity exploration, and the risks that come with it. Unique considerations for neurodivergent youth when using social media platforms that rely on manipulative algorithms. What neurodivergent youth say they really want from their digital media experiences, based on Dr. Alper’s interviews. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Mar 12

Social media platforms are feeding youth harmful content—fast. From hate speech to pro-eating disorder posts and disinformation, powerful algorithms push dangerous content straight to children. But why? And what can be done to stop it? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry talks with Imran Ahmed, founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, about the hidden dangers of social media algorithms, the risks youth face on various popular platforms, and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in digital spaces. In this episode, you will learn: How quickly social media algorithms deliver harmful content to children, such as pro-eating disorder and drug content. Why platforms are aware of this issue—but choose not to do anything about it. The need for transparency into social media algorithms to keep children safe from harmful content. What kind of advocacy is needed to drive stronger protections—and how recent advancements in European policies may provide a model. The STAR framework for social media reform: Safety by design, Transparency, Accountability and Economic Responsibility. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Feb 19

The majority of today’s adolescents are video gaming - for many, daily. How much gaming is too much ? Are violent video games actually harmful to children? On this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry sits down with Dr. Douglas Gentile, a Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University and renowned video gaming expert. Dr. Gentile discusses the latest research on which aspects of gaming can affect child health and development, and the effects of violent media – including video games – on children’s aggressive feelings and behaviors. He also discusses the prevalence of gaming addiction and what features of games make them potentially addictive to children. Finally, Dr. Gentile explains how video games can have positive effects on social behavior and learning as well, and the power parents have to influence their children’s media use and behavioral outcomes. In this episode, you will learn: How the 5 “C’s” of video gaming work together to impact child behavior and health. Why violent video games are linked to increased aggression in youth - and three major effects of violent media. Why even “cute” animated video games can increase aggression in kids, just as realistically violent games. How many children are struggling with gaming addiction - and how to recognize the warning signs . When video games help children learn and encourage prosocial behavior. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Jan 29

How has social media changed the way teens socialize and interact - and is it affecting their mental health? On this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry sits down with researcher and Chief of Psychology of the American Psychological Association Mitch Prinstein, PhD, ABPP. Dr. Prinstein describes his research on popularity and likeability in adolescence, and how social media factors into these social dynamics. He also explores how certain aspects of social media, such as social comparison, can yield negative mental health impacts for teens. Finally, Dr. Prinstein takes listeners beneath the surface to discuss his research on the impacts of social media on the brain, explaining how some children might be more susceptible to the negative mental health effects of social media than others, and what parents can do to prevent these effects. In this episode you will learn: The difference between popularity and likability - and which is linked to better life outcomes. How social media has changed social dynamics and how these changes affect the developing brain. What research is saying about teen social media use and the development of mental health conditions. Conversation prompts to help adults better understand their adolescent’s social media habits and assess if they may be cause for concern. How the relationship between social media use and sleep affects overall adolescent health and well-being. Which uses of social media can be healthy and beneficial for adolescents. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Jan 8

Learning language involves much more than memorizing the ABCs. How do babies and toddlers acquire language and how can parents and caregivers foster its optimal development? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by renowned child development researcher Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, to discuss children’s language development, learning, and play in the digital age. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek emphasizes the importance of social interaction in the development of language, and discusses how digital media typically lacks this critical aspect and may even interrupt the language-learning process. She also describes the key pillars of learning gleaned from decades of research and the effectiveness of guided play in achieving learning outcomes. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek provides listeners with key insights on choosing effective educational apps, as well as maximizing learning opportunities, and critical skills children must develop for the digital future. In this episode you will learn: How babies and young children develop language. Why the quality and quantity of caregiver interactions shape a child’s early language journey. How media use – by children and parents alike - can affect learning and development. Why play is an important aspect of successful learning - and how best to incorporate it. How to evaluate and choose learning apps that benefit young children. The “6 C’s” of critical learning children need to thrive in the digital age. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Dec 18, 2024

How does adolescents’ use of digital media , particularly of image-based social media platforms, influence and amplify their body image concerns? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Jason Nagata, a distinguished researcher and a pediatrician, to explore the complex relationship between digital media use and adolescents’ physical and mental health. Dr. Nagata sheds light on the connection between digital media, body image issues, and eating disorders– particularly among boys, who are often overlooked in discussions on this topic. He delves into how boys’ body image challenges and eating disorders often present differently from those of girls. In addition, he shares research findings linking specific mental health symptoms to use of digital media, explores other health outcomes linked to digital media use, and discusses demographic and gender-based differences in media-usage patterns and their impacts on adolescent health outcomes. In this episode you will learn: What the ABCD study is and why it’s providing quality data for research into adolescent screen use and health. What mental health symptoms in adolescents are most associated with high amounts of screen use. Gender and other demographic differences in screen uses and their health impacts in adolescents. What aspects of screen use are most impacting body image and eating disorder symptoms in youth. How teen boys are experiencing body image pressure from media - and differences in how their body image disorder symptoms present. What warning signs parents and caregivers can watch for that indicate an adolescent’s attention to exercise is becoming unhealthy. The biggest predictor of high amounts of adolescent screen time (hint: parents). For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Nov 27, 2024

When a young child watches TV or uses a digital tablet are they able to learn from what they see? What are the effects of media use on the development of attentional networks? On this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry talks to Dr. Heather Kirkorian about how digital media impacts learning, cognition, and attention in young children. Dr. Kirkorian describes the developmental milestones that allow for learning from digital media, explains the “video deficit effect” – the finding that young children have a hard time transferring things they learn on screens to the real world – and how interactive elements of digital devices may support or impede learning. Dr. Kirkorian also shares findings on how background television can disrupt parent-child interactions critical for early learning, as well as suggestions for parents in choosing high quality media for younger children. In this episode you will learn: How media use affects young children’s attention and learning. How interactivity and engagement in digital media affects young children’s ability to learn. What developmental milestones indicate that a child is ready to learn from digital media {and what supports they might need to enhance learning.} Why young children are more likely to learn from real-life demonstrations than video. How to choose high quality media content and use it to support young children’s learning. How background TV exposure can affect young child attention. Dr. Heather Kirkorian is the Laura M. Secord Chair in Early Childhood Development and a Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also has affiliate appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Educational Psychology at UW-Madison. Dr. Kirkorian is a developmental psychologist who studies cognitive development in infants and young children, particularly in the context of TV and digital media. She uses a combination of behavioral, observational, and psychophysiological methods to study the impact of child and parent media use on children (e.g., attention, memory, learning, play), parents (e.g., stress, burnout), and families (e.g., parent-child interactions). For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Nov 20, 2024

Introducing the Screen Deep podcast - where we go on deep dives with leading experts to decode child and adolescent brains and behavior in a digital world. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Nov 6, 2024

Parents worried about child media use may not be aware that their own media use patterns at home may be significantly affecting their children. In this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry discusses “technoference” – the interference of technology in relationships – with the researcher who coined that term, Dr. Brandon McDaniel. Dr. McDaniel shares results from his work on how parent device use can affect relationships and impact children from infancy through adolescence, how children may manifest these impacts through behavior, as well as how parental mental health and stress inform and are informed by their own technology use. Dr. McDaniel discusses the challenges of limiting phone use, and provides suggestions for how parents can model healthy device use during family time, work to be more present in interactions with their children, and manage co-parenting conflict around family media use rules. In this episode you will learn: What “technoference” and “phubbing” mean. How parental technoference affects children of all ages. Behavioral signs in infants, children, and adolescents that may indicate negative effects of parent media use. How parent stress and mental health influence media use and impact children. Early findings from an ongoing research study on parents of infants and the connection between their media use and mental health. Where the research is going to better understand the complex interplay between parent media use, child development, and behavior. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Oct 16, 2024

Concern about youth digital addiction is a relatively recent but significant addition to the list of common worries for parents of adolescents in the past few decades. What exactly is digital addiction, and how does it relate to other forms of addiction such as gambling and substance-use disorders? On this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry sits down with Marc Potenza, MD, PhD, to discuss his pioneering research on Internet and behavioral addiction. Marc discusses the brain science behind adolescent vulnerability to digital addiction and its similarities to other addictions, and differences between individuals that might explain why some teens are more prone to problematic use of digital media. He also describes his work with colleagues on determining the diagnostic criteria for behavioral addictions, gambling in video games, and resources for parents . In this episode you will learn: How Dr. Potenza and other researchers first identified gaming and other internet use disorders. What brain imaging can tell us about the specific brain patterns associated with behavioral addictions in adolescents. How natural changes in the adolescent brain make teens more vulnerable to digital and behavioral addictions. What factors contribute to the development of addictive disorders in young people. Why some youth are more resilient to risk factors for addiction than others. About groundbreaking new research showing similarities in brain patterns between adults who started drinking heavily early in life and 9-10 year-olds with heavy internet use and behavioral issues. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Sep 25, 2024

Adolescence is an exciting period of life shaped by risks, rewards, and rapid changes in the brain. On this episode of Screen Deep, we explore how adolescent brains affect and are affected by their digital media use with Eva Telzer, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Co-Director of the Winston National Center on Technology Use, Brain, and Psychological Development. An expert on adolescent neuroscience, behavior, and media use, Telzer discusses insights from her large and growing body of research, including multi-year projects investigating the dynamic relationship between teens’ social media use and the makeup of their brain. How does social media trigger the reward system of the brain? Can teens’ habitual smartphone behaviors impact their developing brains? Are some teens more prone to problematic smartphone use than others? Tune in to hear how Telzer’s research helps answer these questions. In this episode you will learn: Why social reward cues (likes, comments, etc) have a unique impact on the developing adolescent brain How research utilizing functional MRI is expanding our knowledge about changes in the brains of adolescents habitually engaging in social media use What neurological factors put some teens at a higher risk for problematic social media use than others How research dispels popular stereotypes of adolescents as high risk takers and dependent on peer influence How the reward system in the brain works and ways it can be redirected for positive social behaviors and connections online by adolescents For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Sep 24, 2024

Sleep is an essential part of life, and the quality and quantity of a person’s nightly sleep has wide-ranging impacts on cognition, behavior, and health. On this episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry discusses children and teens’ sleep and its relationship to digital media with Dr. Lauren Hale, Professor of Family, Population, and Preventative Medicine at Stony Brook University and Founding Editor in Chief of the Sleep Health Journal . Dr. Hale provides an overview of research into the impacts of digital media on teens’ sleep, including insights from a 2024 scientific consensus panel that evaluated how different aspects of digital device use influence sleep. She also discusses the societal implications of teens’ poor sleep health, and the policy changes that could improve them. In this episode you'll learn: Why sleep is important for cognitive and overall health - and why sleep regularity may be as important as duration Which populations are getting less sleep and possible consequences What the latest research tells us about technology use and sleep - delayed sleep, sleep duration, impaired sleep quality, digital sleep interruption, and blue light What types of screen use and media content are associated with poorer sleep quality for youth Why abolishing Daylight Savings Time and changing school start times may positively impact youth sleep health For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Sep 24, 2024

On this inaugural episode of Screen Deep , host Kris Perry interviews Dimitri Christakis, MD, MPH, about his decades of experience investigating the impact of screens in early childhood, from baby videos to tablet apps. Drawing on his experience as a leading researcher, pediatrician, and parent, Dimitri shares both historical and recent findings on screen use among very young children, particularly its possible uses for early learning and its relationship to cognitive and language development. He emphasizes the importance of caregiver-child interactions, and the risk that digital media can displace this important facet of development. He also suggests that more can be done to hold tech companies accountable and make it easier for parents to make decisions about what media to choose for their children. In this episode you will learn: How brains develop in early childhood and what the research says on media use for infants under 18 months Why introducing “learning” technology in early childhood may negatively affect cognitive and language development The importance of “joint attention” in infant development - and why caregiver interaction is crucial during this time How engaging apps make it more difficult to command young children’s attention For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website ( https://www.childrenandscreens.org ) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram : @childrenandscreens LinkedIn : Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X : @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au