The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 670: It Is Our Job as Parents to Protect Our Child’s Brain | Arlene Pellicane, Screen Kids
Jan 5, 2026
Arlene Pellicane, a family researcher and bestselling author, dives into the pressing issue of screens' influence on children. She reveals how background TV can harm conversations and language skills. Pellicane emphasizes the importance of delaying screen exposure to foster imagination and attention. Gaming often hijacks identity, making it essential for parents to encourage real connections. She provides practical tips for instilling affection and suggests replacing screens with engaging activities, highlighting the pressing need for active parenting to safeguard brain development.
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Screens Shape More Than Free Time
- Screens shape a child's brain, body, and relationships beyond just filling time.
- Arlene Pellicane says parents must protect developing brains by choosing differently early on.
Turn Off Background TV For More Conversation
- Turn off background TV to increase parent-child conversation and calm at home.
- Try a one-week experiment of no background media to notice the difference.
Early Screen Exposure Rewires Norms
- Average child screen exposure has shifted from age four to months, changing developmental norms.
- Early exposure trains the brain and body to default to instant digital stimulation, making it hard to unlearn.
