This is Oregon

S1E4: How to Parent Digital Kids

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Description

On this episode we're joined by Jen Doty, associate professor at the University of Oregon's Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services. Doty shares advice and resources on how parents can help kids safely navigate online spaces like social media.   

Topics 

  • Is kids' screen time a problem? [1:25]
  • How much time kids spend on screens [4:03]
  • A helpful framework for parents [6:47]
  • Pros and cons of monitoring software [11:45]
  • Resources to help parents determine appropriate content [15:11]
  • Signs that a child's technology use is a problem [18:25] 

Guest 

  • Jen Doty, associate professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology 

Resources 

  • Common Sense Media, a nonprofit group that provides information about kids and digital media, including ratings and reviews of movies, TV, games and apps.
  • Family Media Plan, an interactive website created by the American Academy of Pediatrics to guide parents in setting up house rules that match their child's developmental age and their family's values.
  • Wait until 8th, an organization that helps families in a community work together to delay internet-enabled smartphones until at least the end of 8th grade. 

Quotes from the Episode 

  • "The research actually doesn't show ... any association between screen time and teens' mental health. I think part of what's happening here is for some kids it might be a problem and for others it could actually be a help." 

  • "Tweens, 8- to 12-year-olds, are spending over five hours a day on screens, and teenagers are spending over eight hours a day." 

  • "Our own research has shown that talking with kids about technology, having those active conversations and establishing house rules ... has been shown to reduce cyberbullying, risky online behaviors and sexting behaviors." 

  • "Every family ... has to make their own decision, but whenever you do give kids a phone, I would strongly suggest some training and monitoring so that you know they're using it in a responsible way." 

  • "I can't emphasize enough how important face-to-face relationships are and the critical role parents and caregivers play. Even if kids are ahead of you developmentally when it comes to technology, socially they have a lot to learn and they learn that in our face-to-face relationships." 

 

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts