Screen time

Youtube is introducing better parental controls https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/internet/parents-can-control-what-children-watch-on-the-youtube-kids-app-thanks-to-new/ https://youtube.googleblog.com/2018/09/new-tools-for-parents-and-content-for.html And google and Apple are introducing better options for limiting screen time https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/screen-time-phone-controls-kids-57906988 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/09/19/googles-launches-new-tools-let-parents-turn-teenagers-smartphones/ https://www.usatoday.com/videos/tech/2018/09/19/googles-family-link-lets-you-monitor-your-teenagers-phone/37862493/ And kids are adapting just as quick: https://www.businessinsider.com/kids-finding-ways-around-apple-screen-time-controls-2018-9

Apple has set up a webpage designed for parents to access info on controlling screen time: http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/14/technology/apple-parental-page/index.html  

A new study suggests that teens that are online for more than an hour a day tend to be unhappier. The happiest teens used digital media for less than an hour per day. But after a daily hour of screen time, unhappiness rises steadily along with increasing screen time. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180122091249.htm http://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-02758-001?doi=1  

An app that makes your kids earn unlocking their screen: http://www.ozy.com/good-sht/the-app-that-lets-your-kids-earn-their-screen-time/80958  

A variety of research has found that kids with access to screens in their rooms spent more time watching or playing on the devices , and less time on such important tasks as reading and sleeping. This in turn leads to poorer school performance, weight problems, https://psmag.com/news/tv-and-video-games-in-kids-bedrooms-a-very-bad-idea  

A new study out of the University of Texas at Austin, found that having phones within sight or within easy reach means some of our brainpower is inevitably used up as we try not to be distracted, so that we are less able to concentrate and performance on cognitive tasks is impacted, even if the […]

A new long term study out of Australia found that teens who are on their phones late at night are more likely to develop poor sleep habits, which over time led to declines in overall well-being and mental health: http://food.ndtv.com/health/late-night-cell-phone-usage-may-put-teenagers-at-risk-of-depression-1706057

A Japanese company has created a smartphone case, which can only be removed with a specific screwdriver, allows parents to set time restrictions on their child’s smartphone usage via an accompanying app. The company is expected to charge around $5 a month for a two-year contract that includes the case. http://mashable.com/2017/04/25/kids-japan-smartphone/#wMDKuTJpOaqw https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/smartphone-case-that-allows-parents-to-stop-children-becoming-addicted-to-devices/ar-BBAjM7r  

A new survey suggests that cell phone use may be associated with a reduction in drug use in teens: http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/survey-suggests-drug-abuse-lower-in-teenagers-due-to-heavy-usage-of-smartphones-and-pcs-367114.html  

Some tips for parents on modeling good cell phone use: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/23/well/family/5-no-phone-zones-for-parents-and-kids-alike.html?mwrsm=Email&_r=0 And some thought about how to deal with teens who are on their phones all the time: Too Much Screen Time? When Your Teenager is Always On the Phone

An interesting device to limit cell phone use while driving: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/shellback-offers-teenagers-parents-intelligent-113000432.html  

A look at the problem, and how to deal with it: Ask the Expert: Should I Take Away My Teen’s Cell Phone at Night?

An explanation of how mobile phones disrupt your ability to fall asleep: http://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-how-smartphone-light-affects-your-brain-and-body?utm_source=ScienceAlert+-+Daily+Email+Updates&utm_campaign=d3c3abb4ef-MAILCHIMP_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fe5632fb09-d3c3abb4ef-365490661

The American Academy of Pediatrics has significantly altered their guidelines for screen time for kids. the changes are less absolute than the previous recommendation of two hours a day period. They all room for considering whether that time is spent in front of a television, tablet computer, laptop, or mobile phone, as well as age, and limits […]

New research out of France finds that screens/devices  are just as effective at distracting kids from their anxiety about an upcoming surgery as conventional sedatives: http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/08/new-research-says-ipads-help-calm-down-kids-surgery

Screen is a New York startup that lets parents automatically or remotely turn off all the electronics that the youngsters are either over-using, or using at inappropriate times, no matter where the kids are using those devices: https://www.yahoo.com/tech/39-screen-39-lets-parents-control-kids-1356166166388790.html http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2016/02/02/first-look-startup-helps-parents-control-kids-screen-time/79698414/  

Psychologists and other child development experts are exploring how parents’ use of technology affects kids and the best ways to help families reconnect in the Digital Age: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/02/smartphone.aspx  

Here are some ways to help parents set guidelines and manage their kids’ time online: http://www.wsj.com/article_email/cant-get-your-child-off-the-internet-these-gadgets-can-help-1450804818-lMyQjAxMTE2NDI2NjcyMjY3Wj  

Circle with Disney offers a new way for  parents put limits on how much time kids spend on screens: http://www.wired.com/2015/11/circle-with-disney-locks-down-kids-devices-from-afar/  

An brief look at how letting kids have a phone or other device in their room can be disruptive: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/5-reasons-kids-shouldnt-sleep-near-their-devices_55b24b75e4b0a13f9d183404