On Screen Time, like with so many parenting conundrums, theres no right answer, but there’s a whole world of others parents who will tell you that you’re doing it wrong. We need better guidance to help us navigate through these issues, and that’s why I’m thankful for the work being done by Dr Jacqueline Nesi in her excellent newsletter Techno Sapiens. I’ve found it an essential resource to help me understand more about the challenges I face as a parent today, enabling me to make decisions based on data, not fear, and to enable me to prepare for what comes next, as my kids get older and mobile phones and social media move into the frame.

Key Timings:

Introduction to Jackie Nesi and Parental Tech Fears (00:00-02:18)

Jackie discusses parents' concerns about technology and screen time, with Kevin reflecting on her journey from academia to writing.

Screen Time and Childhood Development (02:18-06:01)

Delving into the role of technology in children's lives, discussing the impact of various screen activities and guidelines for young children.

Influence of Parental Tech Habits (06:01-10:48)

Conversation about how parents' technology use affects children, including the concept of 'technoference' and co-viewing as family bonding.

Managing Screen Time and Discipline (10:48-16:18)

Jackie talks about setting screen time rules, consistency in parenting, and alternatives to screen activities.

Parenting Teenagers in a Digital World (16:18-23:25)

Strategies for disciplining teenagers around technology and considerations for when to give children phones.

Closing Thoughts on Balanced Digital Parenting (23:25-32:05)

Concluding advice on navigating the balance between technology's risks and benefits in parenting.

You can sign up for Techno Sapiens here.