learn, express, and even struggle online, we track how digital spaces are shaping their lives, in real time You’ve learned that not all screen time is equal, that social media isn’t the enemy, and that oversimplified Because in a time when so many are shouting from the rooftops, the calm, informed, and compassionate That can feel lonely at times, but it’s also a place of incredible power, influence, and impact.

Consider a recent Canadian study that examined violent screen time in preschoolers and later antisocial Yet, some people clouded the context of the findings by making claims online like: “Violent Screen Time When parents see headlines like “Violent Screen Time in Preschool Predicts Violent Behaviour in Teens to make such research more “understandable” for parents, caregivers, educators, and teens which at times keeps the focus on the validity of the data rather than appearing dismissive of potential harm Next time

is right, and that time can differ from child to child. We believe that parent and caregiver involvement remains essential . (2)(3) Monitoring screen time, Remember, it’s not about how much time they are spending online, it’s what they are doing with that time Let’s embrace this balanced path, one step at a time. thewhitehatter.ca/blog/four-skills-to-help-develop-teen-digital-creators/ 6/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/why-screen-value-is-more-important-than-screen-time

Educating children about online risks, setting boundaries, and choosing the right tech at the right time book-review-the-anxious-generation-how-the-great-rewiring-of-childhood-is-causing-an-epidemic-of-mental-health/ 2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/a-book-review-unlocked-the-real-science-of-screen-time-and-how-to-spend-it-better-by-dr-pete-etchells

court decision will be appealed in the USA all the way up to their Supreme Court, but this will take time

- only time will tell. What Does This Mean for Parents?

Books we read and recommend from authors we respect. creen Captured: Helping Families Explore the Digital World in the Age of Manipulation Buy Book CAN Buy Book US Screen Captured: Helping Families Explore

when it comes to technology and kids, there is one point we wholeheartedly agree on, children need time However, that doesn’t mean offline time isn’t just as important. Don’t just set rules, create structured times when devices are put away, such as before school or during Rather than just instructing their kids to limit screen time, parents and caregivers can demonstrate Instead of focusing on fear-based narratives about screen time, parents and caregivers should focus on

That kind of trust-building is far more powerful than any screen-time limit.

Pamela Rutledge explained, while some interpersonal skills did not develop during this time, it was due time use, and other factors. exception—social skills are lower for children who access online gaming and social networking many times Apps like Zoom, FaceTime, and Discord provide users with real-time face-to-face interaction, helping approach enables more personalized and tailored communication, fostering stronger connections over time

From advice on managing screen use to the impact of social media on mental health, articles often cite Example A study might find a correlation between increased screen time and mild sleep disturbances. However, an article could spin this as “Screen time causes severe insomnia in kids,” creating unnecessary The next time you come across an article quoting a study but failing to provide a source, take a moment By taking the time to verify sources, question unsupported claims, and seek out reputable research, you

Recently, we read the following statement that was published online from an Internet safety presenter, “ Research shows that excessive social media use can significantly impact children's brain development”  Interesting statement when the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the largest long-term research project on brain development in the US, following over a thousand children for four years says otherwise. (1) The media,  special interest groups, some policymakers, and even some digital literacy and internet safety presenters have sometimes exaggerated the findings of research in this area of brain study, implying that technology use is rewiring children's brains in alarming ways. However, the ABCD study itself does not support such drastic claims. The research is ongoing, and a more balanced perspective is needed when interpreting its results. The conversation about technology and youth often carries an ominous tone, with concerns that these devices are fundamentally altering the brains of young people. Some argue that cellphones are reshaping attention spans, emotional regulation, and even cognitive development. While there is truth to the idea that the human brain is changing in response to everything we do throughout life, this phenomenon is far from unique. In fact, the brain is constantly evolving and adapting based on experiences, a characteristic known as neuroplasticity - there is a great book that explains this very process called, “The Brain That Changes Itself” (2) Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself throughout life in response to experiences. This concept is well-established in neuroscience and can be seen in various stages of human development. For instance, did you know that a mother’s brain undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, with increased activity in regions associated with empathy, emotional regulation, and social cognition. These changes help new mothers bond with their infants and respond to their needs more effectively. (3) Similarly, the brains of bilingual individuals physically change to accommodate multiple languages, developing denser grey matter in areas associated with language processing and executive function (4) , or learning how to juggle can change the brain. (5) Even musicians show structural brain changes, particularly in regions related to auditory processing and motor control. (6) Arguing that “research shows excessive social media use can significantly impact children's brain development” as a reason to restrict youth and teens from using  technology is like saying we should restrict pregnancy, learning a new language, juggling, or learning how to playing a musical instrument because they also significantly impact brain development. However, it is important to acknowledge for those under the age of six, there is research to support that the “overuse” of technology can hinder developing essential self-regulatory skills, leading to more anger, frustration, and poorer effortful control. (7) Given the brain's adaptability, it’s no surprise that the widespread use of technology maybe influencing neural development. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean harm, it simply means adaptation and this is what the ABCD study is looking at specific to what this adaptation means. Technology, like any significant societal shift, are part of an ongoing evolution in how humans interact with the world. The brain has always adapted to new stimuli, whether it be reading, urbanization, or technological advancements. Rather than focusing solely on fear-based narratives, a more balanced approach recognizes both the challenges and opportunities that come with change. As parents and caregivers, understanding neuroplasticity can provide reassurance that change isn’t inherently negative. Instead of viewing technology as an unnatural disruptor of youth brain development, it may be more productive to focus on how we guide and support young people in using technology wisely. Just as we support new mothers, bilingual learners, and musicians in developing their unique skills, we can help our children navigate and benefit from the onlife world in a healthy, informed way. The fear-mongering around social media "rewiring" children's brains oversimplifies a complex issue and ignores the reality of neuroplasticity, our brains are constantly adapting to new experiences, not just technology. The ABCD study, the largest of its kind, does not support alarmist claims that social media is inherently harmful to brain development. Instead of focusing on fear, we should emphasize guidance, education, and balance in how young people engage with technology. Just as we encourage learning new skills, languages, or even musical instruments, each of which reshapes the brain, we should approach digital literacy with the same mindset: as an opportunity to equip youth with the tools to navigate the onlife world in a healthy, informed way. Related article: Digital Food For Thought The White Hatter Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech References: 1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/does-technology-social-media-mental-health-issues-for-all-youth-we-need-to-reframe-the-question/ 2/ https://www.amazon.ca/Brain-That-Changes-Itself-Frontiers/dp/0143113100 3/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01741-0 4/ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1193283/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com 5/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25542777/ 6/ https://www.jneurosci.org/content/29/10/3019?utm_source=chatgpt.com 7/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/why-parents-should-avoid-using-technology-as-digital-pacifiers-to-calm-young-children/