Media

Parenting, Media, and Everything In Between: Technology Addiction [Common Sense Media]

Kids' Screen Time Shifts Dramatically Toward Phones and Tablets [ Michael Robb 10/18/2017 ]

"My kitchen counter has changed a lot over the last six years. What used to be dedicated to a bowl of fruit, a coffee maker, various papers, and mail that I haven't gotten around to throwing away yet has become a mess of wires coiling back to one put-upon outlet. A rotating set of smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, and headphones have made their way to the counter as well, pointing to a broader set of changes in the house. Our family, which includes a 5-year-old and 3-year-old, has a lot of mobile device stuff. And we aren't the only ones. Today marks the release of the third wave of the The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight, an ongoing series tracking the use of media and technology among U.S. kids. Beginning in 2011 and repeating again in 2013, these surveys offer us a once-in-a-lifetime look to see how new technologies have been enmeshing themselves in our children's lives."

New Healthy Media Habits for Young Kids [ Caroline Knorr 10/18/2017 ]

"Who among us hasn't fibbed when the doctor asks how much alcohol you drink? Who takes the suggested daily amount of Vitamin C? Who engages in moderate exercise precisely 150 minutes per week? Thought so. Turns out families treat their media diets the same way. Despite pediatricians' ongoing recommendations to curb kids' screen use, the Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight 2017 found that families with young kids are buying up mobile devices, using screens before bed, and streaming tons of video. But plenty of parents think their own kids' media use is perfectly fine, and most believe that on the whole, it's good for kids. So what does it mean when the reality doesn't match the recommendations? It's time for new rules."

17 Apps and Websites Kids Are Heading to After Facebook [Christine Elgersma 7/15/2017 ]

"Gone are the days of Facebook as a one-stop shop for all social-networking needs. While it may seem more complicated to post photos on Instagram, share casual moments on Snapchat, text on WhatsApp, and check your Twitter feed throughout the day, tweens and teens love the variety."

5 Simple Steps to a Healthy Family Media Diet [Caroline Knorr 5/15/2017 ]

"Many parents struggle with exactly how much screen time is OK for their kids. Is a half-hour show OK but a full-length movie "bad"? How much gaming should you allow when your kid also uses his computer for homework? Does Wikipedia count as "reading"? And when does a passion for say, video games, become problematic? The truth is, there is no magic formula. And just as every family differs in what they eat, when they eat, and what they like, a healthy media diet is different for every family. The key is making sure that the things that are important to your family are fairly balanced over the long term."