Screen Deep

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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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 onlineHow 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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Meryl Alper, an Associate Professor at Northeastern University and expert on neurodiversity and digital media, dives into the complexities of neurodivergent children's interactions with technology. She debunks myths linking screen time to ADHD and autism, highlighting the unique benefits digital media can offer, like fostering communication and connection. Alper emphasizes the importance of understanding not just time spent on screens, but the quality of that engagement. Plus, she explores the role of algorithms on platforms like TikTok in shaping identity, urging for safer, more inclusive digital environments.

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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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 DevelopmentInstagram: @childrenandscreensLinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child DevelopmentX: @childrenscreensBluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social---------------Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au