Early overuse of screen technology can cause permanent damage in toddlers
Technology is used on younger and younger kids these days. But what is the long term impact? In the article below, Cris Rowan a pediatric occupational therapist, biologist, international speaker and author of “Virtual Child – The terrifying truth about what technology is doing to children”, explores the effects and what we should do to as parents. If you have a loved one struggling with managing screen time, please contact Tamara Ancona, MA, LPC at (678) 297-0708 for an [...]
Are teens more lonely today?
With the use of technology and our connections on social media are we more connected or are we lonelier than ever? Screenagers is exploring this idea and how we can connect better with our teens: Are our teens lonelier now more than ever? Do they feel social on social media but in reality, some deeper need is not being met? There is some evidence this might be so. But it is not inevitable. There are ways to help our kids [...]
We Now Have Some Answers: Warning Signs and What to do if Someone You Know is Suicidal
September is Suicide Prevention Month. As part of that we want to share the article below, written by Kristen Roye, PsyD, about the warning signs of suicide and what can be done to help. One week prior to my high school graduation I found myself sitting in the waiting room of the psychiatric wing of a local hospital. My family member had attempted suicide. I remember walking through the sterile white doors into the hospital to visit her and my world [...]
Back-to-school: Time to set an electronic curfew
Back to school season has hit and as everyone adjusts to new activities it's time to set schedules and boundaries for kids' time. Screenagers posted an article about setting a curfew for electronics in particular. As your family is figuring out how to navigate this school year read the article below to get some new ideas to help make this school year successful. "Before I put on my clinical hat and tell you lots of things I have found [...]
When Wasting Time Hurts
How many of us, as adults are guilty of wasting time on screens? I'm sure everyone should be raising their hands. This week Screenagers tackles this issue with teens and tweens in the article below: I am impressed by the number of tweens and teens who tell me they feel bad about spending a lot of time on screens. These young people say things like "I hate that I wasted the day away." I then ask if they ever [...]
Going Phone-less for Camp
Summer camp is an exciting time, and with just a few more weeks of summer left kids are cramming in as much fun as possible. Screenagers had a great article, below, about the benefits of a screen free camp. Both day and sleep-away camps provide great opportunities for kids to unplug, connect face-to-face with people of many different ages and learn new skills. And, many parents are loving this support of no-tech camp rules. Lindsay L. says, “No screens [...]
Saying YES to Summer!
Children's Screen Time Action Network has some great ideas for summer - like saying YES to kids and helping them learn resourcefulness. Check out their article below: For most of us, school is out already and we’re in those transition weeks that can produce anxiety, both for us and the kids. Ok. So I see that parents are sick of hearing that they have to set screen limits. Like Advisory Board member Dr. Meghan Owenz says, “If you offer [...]
Should Kids be on Social Media?
School is out for the summer! With it comes long days in the sun, Popsicles, and the endless battle of screen time. Recently Screenagers published some facts from a gathering of researchers who met recently to discuss information on kids' brains and screen addiction. Here are some of their key points: “American children spend more time in front of electronic screens than any other activity except sleeping. The brain becomes what the brain does.” Dr. Douglas Gentile “Ditch the [...]