Screens are all around us. From traditional ones like television and video to newer ones like tablets and smartphones, screens are seamlessly integrated into our lives – and the lives of our children. But what does the research actually tell us about how digital media influences children’s health and well-being? And how can parents and caregivers navigate the ever-changing digital landscape without feeling like they are in a constant battle with their children over screens?
Drawing on the latest research on digital media and child and adolescent health and development, this workshop will move beyond the simple question of, “How much screentime is too much?” to explore the many ways digital media may impact youth and families – for better, for worse, or sometimes not at all. Participants will leave with a more nuanced understanding of whether, when, and how digital media may influence youth well-being and practical strategies for creating healthy media habits at home, including approaches to managing children’s (and their own!) media use.
This virtual presentation and discussion is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and open to all faculty members.
Facilitated by Courtney K. Blackwell, Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg. Blackwell conducts research on the promotive and protective factors of pediatric mental health and well-being. She has collaborated with such organizations as Sesame Workshop, PBS, the Fred Rogers Center, and Code.org on national surveys of children’s media use, the development and evaluation of educational media products, and investigations of the effects of digital media on children’s health and development.