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?

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

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

pretend” to real money is often subtle, where players are nudged to buy in-game currency, speed up wait times Over time, this creates a normalized association between sports and gambling, especially in a culture Parents and caregivers must move beyond simply monitoring “screen time” and begin asking what their kids are actually doing with that time. It's time we started treating that with the same level of concern.

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

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

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

Instead of just limiting screen use, we can encourage screen value. Rather than reacting out of fear or misinformation, parents and caregivers who take the time to understand Not No Tech References 1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/a-book-review-unlocked-the-real-science-of-screen-time-and-how-to-spend-it-better-by-dr-pete-etchells