Assessing Child Readiness for Tech with Jenny Radesky, MD

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:

1. How to spot the developmental  signs that a young child may — or may not — be ready for tech introduction.
2. Quick tips for evaluating whether media content for children is of high quality — or should be avoided.
3. What research shows about using screens  to calm children — and its impact on building the skills needed for emotional regulation.
4. Why the “daily frictions” and “tiny dramas” of life are essential for building children’s resilience and coping skills.
5. Why restricting child access or time spent on digital media is not effective as a parenting tool — and what to try instead.
6. Key signs a teen or tween might be ready — for their first smartphone.
7. 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)

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Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au