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The research behind whether children learn from apps and which apps to choose.

In an ideal world, parents would be playing and interacting with their young children for most of the day. However, we do not live in an ideal world and even the best parents may have times when they need to rely on screens to keep their children occupied. In fact, research finds that 90 percent of children aged 2 to 3 years use a touchscreen device and that infants and toddlers on average spend 10 to 45 min per day on touchscreen devices.

When opting for screen time, many parents may wonder-is it okay to give my child a phone or tablet and let them play with an interactive app? Or would it be better to turn on a TV show? Many apps claim to be educational-but does research find that young children can actually learn from this technology? And, if so, which specific apps should you choose?

Research broadly finds that young children can learn from interactive apps but it remains unclear the extent to which this learning is transferable to the real world. A recent meta-analysis based on 36 studies involving 4,206 participants found that most studies involving children five years and younger show a positive impact of touchscreen apps on learning. This impact seems to increase with age, meaning that older children may be more likely to learn from apps than younger children. This seems particularly true for STEM-related concepts, such as math skills. This study also found that children seem to show enhanced learning from apps when compared to learning from computers or traditional classroom teaching.

A systematic review in the journal Pediatrics also found children under 6 years old can learn from interactive apps, particularly apps related to math skills. This study also found some evidence that apps may improve phonics skills.

Some research suggests that interactive apps may improve motor development. The age at which toddlers are first exposed to touchscreens is associated with improved fine motor skills. However, this effect was only found for children who were actively interacting with the touchscreen, not simply watching videos. No relationship was found between touchscreen use and gross motor or language development.

Research even finds that children as young as 15 months old can learn from touchscreens. However, they are 19 times more likely to learn if a parent is present helping them with "high interactional quality" (meaning the parent is structuring the task for the child, using a lot of different language, and providing warmth and encouragement).

However, it remains unclear whether children learn more effectively from apps than from passively watching videos or TV shows. Research is mixed with some studies finding enhanced learning from apps and some studies finding enhanced learning from videos. It is also important to mention that some studies have found that apps do not provide superior learning when compared to physical objects or face-to-face teaching. Research also indicates that apps may not be effective in teaching social-emotional skills. There is also some evidence that children may not transfer learning from the apps to real life.

So, research finds that it is possible for children to learn from apps but does this mean they can learn from any app? How do you determine which apps are truly "educational?"

A recent study evaluated 124 top-downloaded "educational" apps in the Google Play and Apple app stores and found that 58 percent of popular apps were "low quality" in terms of how they promote learning.

The researchers evaluated apps based on the "Four Pillars" of early learning. These Pillars include:

1. Active Learning (requiring critical thinking or intellectual effort versus a simple cause-and-effect)

2. Engagement in the Learning Process (whether the interactive features enhance or distract from learning, including whether the app has unnecessary visual and sound effects and distracting ads)

3. Meaningful Learning (how relevant what the child is learning in the app is to the child's life and existing knowledge)

4. Social interaction (the extent to which the app encourages children to interact with characters in the app or with their caregivers while engaging with the app)

The researchers found that the following apps received the highest scores in terms of promoting learning: My Food- Nutrition for Kids, Daniel Tiger's Stop & Go Potty, Toca Life (Neighborhood, School & Hospital), Lego Duplo Town, Zoombinis. The following apps also received relatively high scores: Bible App for Kids: Read the Nativity Story, Farming Simulator 18, Toca Lab: Elements, My Very Hungry Caterpillar AR, Toca Hair Salon 3, Melody Jams, Sago Mini Holiday Trucks and Diggers, Sago Mini Friends. Stellarium Mobile Sky Map, Star Walk, Brio World- Railway, Noggin Preschool, Sky View Lite, Toca Life: World, and Toca Kitchen 2.

A recent systematic review of "educational" apps for young children also found that children can learn from the following specific apps: Measure That Animal, Math Shelf, Know Number Free, Endless Alphabet, Letter School, First Word Sampler, Word Wall HD, Pocket Phonics, Skills Builder Spelling, Phonic Monster, ABC Touch and Learn, Bee Sees, Kindergarten Lite, Starfall, and Super Why.

So how do you apply this research as a parent, caregiver, or teacher?

1. Engage in apps with the child. Provide some help and assistance without doing the task for them. Help the child to pay attention to relevant features.

2. When engaging with apps together, use a lot of language to help to explain the task to the child. Offer frequent praise and encouragement.

3. Choose apps that require the child to think critically rather than simple cause-and-effect (for example, an app in which they have to choose the correct answer rather than an app in which they simply press a button and an animation plays.)

4. Avoid apps with irrelevant or excessive features or advertisements that are not related to the learning process.

5. Look for apps that teach children skills that they can easily transfer to real life and that are related to their existing knowledge (for example, learning about letters of the alphabet versus learning a specific skill that they would not use outside of the app).

6. Choose apps that encourage your child to interact with the characters in the app and/or with you or other caregivers while engaging with the app.

In summary, research suggests that children can learn from apps. However, not all apps are truly "educational" and parents, caregivers, and teachers should carefully evaluate apps based on the research-backed principles described above before allowing young children to engage with them.

References

Courage, M. L., Frizzell, L. M., Walsh, C. S., & Smith, M. (2021). Toddlers Using Tablets: They Engage, Play, and Learn. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.

Xie, H., Peng, J., Qin, M., Huang, X., Tian, F., & Zhou, Z. (2018). Can touchscreen devices be used to facilitate young children's learning? A meta-analysis of touchscreen learning effect. Frontiers in Psychology, 2580.

Griffith, S. F., Hagan, M. B., Heymann, P., Heflin, B. H., & Bagner, D. M. (2020). Apps as learning tools: a systematic review. Pediatrics, 145(1).

Bedford, R., Saez de Urabain, I. R., Cheung, C. H., Karmiloff-Smith, A., & Smith, T. J. (2016). Toddlers' fine motor milestone achievement is associated with early touchscreen scrolling. Frontiers in psychology, 7, 1108.

Zack, E., & Barr, R. (2016). The role of interactional quality in learning from touch screens during infancy: Context matters. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1264.

Huber, B., Tarasuik, J., Antoniou, M. N., Garrett, C., Bowe, S. J., Kaufman, J., & Team, S. B. (2016). Young children's transfer of learning from a touchscreen device. Computers in Human Behavior, 56, 56-64.

Kwok, K., Ghrear, S., Li, V., Haddock, T., Coleman, P., & Birch, S. A. (2016). Children can learn new facts equally well from interactive media versus face to face instruction. Frontiers in psychology, 7, 1603.

Moser, A., Zimmermann, L., Dickerson, K., Grenell, A., Barr, R., & Gerhardstein, P. (2015). They can interact, but can they learn? Toddlers' transfer learning from touchscreens and television. Journal of experimental child psychology, 137, 137-155.

Meyer, M., Zosh, J. M., McLaren, C., Robb, M., McCaffery, H., Golinkoff, R. M., ... & Radesky, J. (2021). How educational are "educational" apps for young children? App store content analysis using the Four Pillars of Learning framework. Journal of Children and Media, 15(4), 526-548.

Hirsh-Pasek, K., Zosh, J. M., Golinkoff, R. M., Gray, J. H., Robb, M. B., & Kaufman, J. (2015). Putting education in "educational" apps: Lessons from the science of learning. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 16(1), 3-34.

More references

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A Research-Backed Guide to Educational Apps for Children

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The research behind whether children learn from apps and which apps to choose.

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Spanish Version

Media in all forms, including TV, computers, and smartphones, can affect how children and teens feel, learn, think, and behave. How-ever, parents (you) are still the most important influence.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages you to help your children develop healthy media use habits early on. Read on to learn more.

Media use and your children

You can decide what media use is best for your family. Remember, all children and teens need adequate sleep (8-12 hours, depending on age), physical activity (1 hour), and time away from media. (See the "Media Use Guidelines" chart for general guidelines for media use based on age.)

Because children today are growing up in a time of highly personalized media use experiences, parents must develop personalized media use plans for their children. Media plans should take into account each child's age, health, personality, and developmental stage. Create a Family Media Use Plan online at HealthyChildren.org/MediaUsePlan. By creating a Family Media Use Plan, parents can help children and teens balance their media use with other healthy activities.

Why limit media use?

Overuse of digital media may place your children at risk of

Not enough sleep. Children with more media exposure or who have a TV, computer, or mobile device in their bedroom sleep less and fall asleep later at night. Even babies can be overstimulated by screens and miss the sleep they need to grow. Exposure to light (particularly blue light) and stimulating content from screens can delay or disrupt sleep, and have a negative effect on school.

Delays in learning and social skills. Children who watch too much TV in infancy and preschool years can show delays in attention, thinking, language, and social skills. One of the reasons for the delays could be because they interact less with parents and family. Parents who keep the TV on or focus on their own digital media miss precious opportunities to interact with their children and help them learn. Children and teens often use entertainment media at the same time they're doing other things, such as homework. Such multitasking can have a negative effect on school.

Obesity. Watching TV for more than 1.5 hours daily is a risk factor for obesity for children 4 through 9 years of age. Teens who watch more than 5 hours of TV per day are 5 times more likely to have overweight than teens who watch 0 to 2 hours. Food advertising and snacking while watching TV can promote obesity. Also, children who overuse media are less apt to be active with healthy, physical play.

Behavior problems. Violent content on TV and screens can contribute to behavior problems in children, either because they are scared and confused by what they see or they try to mimic on-screen characters.

Problematic Internet use. Children who overuse online media can be at risk for problematic Internet use. Heavy video gamers are at risk for Internet gaming disorder. They spend most of their free time online and show less interest in off-line or real-life relationships. There may be increased risks for depression at both the high and low ends of Internet use.

Risky behaviors. Teens' displays on social media often show risky behaviors, such as substance use, sexual behaviors, self-injury, or eating disorders. Exposure of teens through media to alcohol, tobacco use, or sexual behaviors is associated with earlier initiation of these behaviors.

Sexting and privacy and predators. Sexting is sending nude or seminude images, as well as sexually explicit text messages, using a cell phone. About 12% of youth 10 to 19 years of age have sent a sexual photo to someone else. Teens need to know that once content is shared with others, they may not be able to delete or remove it completely. They may also not know about or choose not to use privacy settings. Another risk is that sex offenders may use social networking, chat rooms, e-mail, and online games to contact and exploit children.

Cyberbullying. Children and teens online can be victims of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can lead to short- and long-term negative social, academic, and health issues for both the bully and target. Fortunately, programs to help prevent bullying may reduce cyberbullying.

More media use tips for parents, families, and caregivers

Do not feel pressured to introduce technology early. Media interfaces are intuitive, and children can learn quickly.

Find out what type of and how much media are used and what media behaviors are appropriate for each child-and for you. Place consistent limits on hours of media use as well as types of media used.

Select and co-view media with your child so your child can use media to learn, be creative, and share these experiences with your family.

Check your children's media use for their health and safety.

Stop use of devices or screens for 1 hour before bedtime. Do not let your children sleep with devices such as smartphones.

Discourage entertainment media while doing homework.

Plan media-free times together, such as family dinners.

Decide on media-free, unplugged locations in homes, such as bedrooms.

Engage in family activities that promote well-being, such as sports, reading, and talking with each other.

Set a good example. Turn off the TV and put your smartphone on "do not disturb" during media-free times with your family.

Use sites like Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org) to help you decide if movies, TV shows, apps, and videos games are age and content appropriate for your children and your family values.

Share your family media rules with caregivers or grandparents to help ensure rules are consistent.

Talk with your children and teens about online citizenship and safety. This includes treating others with respect online, avoiding cyberbullying and sexting, being wary of online solicitations, and safeguarding privacy.

Remember that your opinion counts. TV, video games, and other media producers, airers, and sponsors pay attention to the views of the public. For more information from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), visit http://reboot.fcc.gov/parents.

Encourage your school and community to advocate for better media programs and healthier habits. For example, organize a Screen-Free Week in your town with other parents, teachers, and neighbors.

Younger than 2 years

Children younger than 2 learn and grow when they explore the physical world around them. Their minds learn best when they interact and play with parents, siblings, caregivers, and other children and adults. Children younger than 2 have a hard time understanding what they see on screen media and how it relates to the world around them.However, children 18-24 months of age can learn from high-quality educational media, IF their parents play or view with them and reteach the lessons.

Media use should be very limited and only when an adult is standing by to co-view, talk, and teach (for example, video chatting with family along with parents).

For children 18-24 months, if you want to introduce digital media,

2-5 years of age

At 2 years of age, many children can understand and learn words from live video chatting. Young children can listen to or join a conversation with their parents.Children 3-5 years of age have more mature minds, so a well-designed educational program such as Sesame Street (in moderation) can help children learn social, language, and reading skills.

Limit screen use to no more than 1 hour per day.

Find other activities for your children to do that are healthy for their bodies and minds.

Choose media that is interactive, nonviolent, educational, and prosocial.

Co-view or co-play with your children.

5 years and older

Today's grade-schoolers and teens are growing up immersed in digital media. They may even have their own mobile device and other devices to access digital media.

Make sure media use is not displacing other important activities, such as sleep, family time, and exercise.

Check your children's media use for their health and safety.

Tweens and teens

Tweens and teens are more likely to have some independence in what they choose and watch, and they may be consuming media without parental oversight.

Parents should engage tweens and teens in conversations about their media use, digital citizenship, what they've seen or read, who they are communicating with, and what they have learned from their media use.

See "More media use tips for parents, families, and caregivers." Also, create a Family Media Use Plan online at HealthyChildren.org/MediaUsePlan. A Family Media Use Plan is useful to set consistent expectations and limits on media use for parents, children, and teens.

Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication.

The persons whose photographs are depicted in this publication are professional models. They have no relation to the issues discussed. Any characters they are portraying are fictional.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

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Beyond Screen Time: A Parent's Guide to Media Use

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Spanish Version Media in all forms, including TV, computers, and smartphones, can affect how children and teens feel, learn, think, and behave. How-­ever, parents (you) are still the most important influence. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages you to help your children develop healthy media use habits early on.

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Question: What are some screen time guidelines for social media applications?

Answer: It can be tempting to want a set number of hours on screens that is "safe" or healthy to guide your family's technology use. Unfortunately, there isn't enough evidence demonstrating a benefit from specific screen time limitation guidelines. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated their media use recommendations in 2016. These evidence-based guidelines do not give a set screen time limit that applies to all children and teens. Because children and adolescents can have many different kinds of interactions with technology, rather than setting a guideline for specific time limits on digital media use, we recommend considering the quality of interactions with digital media and not just the quantity, or amount of time.

It is important to consider the specific activities that children and teens engage in on social media, and to support them in using social media in ways that strengthen their social, emotional, cognitive and identity development. When it comes to household rules around technology use, there is evidence that rules focusing on content, co-viewing and communication are associated with better well-being outcomes than rules focused on screen time.

Resources for Parents:

Common Sense Media published the following article titled "How Much Screen Time is OK for My Kids?" which emphasizes how quality of media use is more important than setting a screen time limit.

Common Sense Media also provides guidance on assessing the quality of a child's digital media use in "Are Some Types of Screen Time Better Than Others?".

Healthychildren.org provides guidance on how caregivers can support healthy media habits in the article "Beyond Screen Time: Help Your Kids Build Healthy Media Use Habits".

Healthychildren.org recommends creating a Family Media Plan to facilitate discussion around safe and practical media use that works for a family's specific needs.

Common Sense Education provides tips, discussion prompts, and activities for families to learn about digital citizenship together.

The American Psychological Association recently released a health advisory on adolescent social media use. The advisory explains that social media use is not inherently harmful or beneficial, and offers a list of ten recommendations for adolescent engagement with social media.

Resources for Educators

Common Sense Education provides a comprehensive Digital Citizenship Curriculum for each grade level k-12 which is free for educators. The curriculum covers topics including media balance & well-being, relationships, communication and cyberbullying.

Age: 9-14, 15-16, middle adolescents, early adolescents, middle school, high school

Topics: Screen time, social media

Role: Educator

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Question: What are some screen time guidelines for social media applications? Answer: It can be tempting to want a set number of hours on screens that is "safe" or healthy to guide your family's technology use. Unfortunately, there isn't enough evidence demonstrating a benefit from specific screen time limitation guidelines.

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Is the internet expanding or narrowing our minds?

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Sites we use at school

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Resources for Engaging Parents and Families | Common Sense Education

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Valuable tips, advice, and recommendations for families on issues related to kids’ digital lives.

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2023 - Digital Citizenship Week Calendar - Elementary School

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Parent University: Digital Citizenship Edition, October 2021

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Parent University: Digital Citizenship Edition, October 2021

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🍐  Digital Citizenship Parent Night- Pear Deck 

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"A clever, humorous story in rhyme. Charlie's techno-driven world comes to a crashing halt when a thunderstorm causes a power outage. His mother advises, "You'll have to find something without plugs to play./Read a book!/Clean your room!/Sing a song!/Model clay!" Uninspired, Charlie finally remembers an old handheld video game, but the battery is missing. Desperate, he steals one from his sister's talking doll and ends up in the time-out chair. Feeling remorseful when the little girl starts crying, he seeks her out and the two have a grand time playing games and pretending to be dragons and wizards. When the power returns, Charlie is ready to retreat to his "handsets and bots" but decides that it might be fun to spend some time with his sister as well. The hilarious cartoon illustrations are bold and appealing and depict the siblings' many emotions with exaggerated clarity. While the mother appears only as a hand patting her panicked son's head, the family dog is usually present, patiently enduring a hose-down from little Isabel Jane or angrily reproving Charlie for hurting her feelings. Pair this tale with Glenn McCoy's Penny Lee and Her TV (Hyperion, 2002) for a fun storytime during 'TV Turnoff Week.'"
--School Library Journal

"Charlie loves computer games so much, he never plays with anything else - so when the power goes out, he's really in the dark. His desperate search for batteries involves his sister's toys and some nasty behavior before he settles down to realize what's truly important in his life. Deftly written by Suzanne Collins and nicely illustrated by Mike Lester, When Charlie McButton Lost Power is refreshingly original and moving!"
--Midwest Book Review

"A computer-game addict temporarily turns into a raving lunatic when a power failure shuts down his PC, and Lester is well up to the task of portraying his breakdown. He sends red-haired Charlie, pop-eyed features wildly distorted with panic, dashing after an old gameboy, then brutalizing his little sister Isabel Jane's talking doll for a triple-A battery. When this behavior instantly relegates him to the Time-Out Chair, Charlie yells (captured in the art by a gross-looking spray of red and yellow) at Isabel Jane, which sends her away in tears-but then also causes him to reflect remorsefully on how much he actually enjoys her company. Once off the chair, he seeks her out for a game of hide-and-seek. Collins tells the tale in loosely written verse and leaves Charlie, as the house explodes with restored light, thinking that he might go play with his sibling some more before plugging in again. Unlikely to work as behavior modification, but young geeks may take a break from their screens to enjoy the over-the-top art."
--Kirkus Reviews

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"A clever, humorous story in rhyme. Charlie's techno-driven world comes to a crashing halt when a thunderstorm causes a power outage. His mother advises, "You'll have to find something without plugs to play./Read a book!/Clean your room!/Sing a song!/Model clay!" Uninspired, Charlie finally remembers an old handheld video game, but the battery is missing.

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The stories about a young chick who lives in a farm ️ and snuck into the Farmhouse and use the Farmer's computer to buy all sorts of things and booked a holiday for the Bull. My favourite character is the chick because she's always in happy mood full stop my favourite part of the story is when the chick finds out it's online friend is a wolf. Yes I would recommend this story ...more

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The stories about a young chick who lives in a farm ️ and snuck into the Farmhouse and use the Farmer's computer to buy all sorts of things and booked a holiday for the Bull.

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Vodafone | Sorry, I can’t find the page you’re looking for.

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Vodafone | Sorry, I can’t find the page you’re looking for.

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Having a pet dragon is very fun!

He can sit, roll over, and play...

He can candle a birthday cake, lit a campfire, or do so many other cool things...

Having a pet dragon is the greatest thing you can ever dream of...
UNTIL he has a little sister... that's when things will turn upside down! ONE dragon living in your house is tough, but now there are TWO!
Your dragon doesn't like his little sister. Not even one tiny bit...

He doesn't want to share his toys. He'd taunt and tease his little sister. He'd be jealous and afraid that you love the little sister more...

And too much other sibling rivalry that you have to deal with...

What should you do?

You show him that siblings is the greatest gift we could ever have...
You teach your dragon about sibling relationships, how to get along, how to be patient, kind, and how to love his sister.
But How?
Get this book and learn how! Fun, cute, and entertaining with beautiful illustrations, this is a must have book for children, parents and teachers to teach kids about Sibling Relationships. GET THIS BOOK NOW AND ENJOY!

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Limit Your Dragon's Screen Time: Help Your Dragon Break His Tech Addiction. A Cute Children Story to Teach Kids to Balance Life and Technology.

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Having a pet dragon is very fun! He can sit, roll over, and play... He can candle a birthday cake, lit a campfire, or do so many other cool things... Having a pet dragon is the greatest thing you can ever dream of... UNTIL he has a little sister...

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5 Surefire Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy

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For Parents:  The best ways to protect your kids online

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For Parents:  The best ways to protect your kids online

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The best way to protect your kids online? Talk to them. While kids value the opinions of their peers, most tend to rely on their parents for help on the issues that matter most.

Here are some resources to help you get started. We hope you'll share these with other parents in your community.

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The best way to protect your kids online? Talk to them. While kids value the opinions of their peers, most tend to rely on their parents for help on the issues that matter most. Here are some resources to help you get started. We hope you'll share these with other parents in your community.

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Our Mission

MEDIAGIRLS teaches girls and young women to harness the power of media for positive change. Participants transform social media from a space known for breeding insecurity, to one where they express their authentic selves, challenge sexist media, and speak up for what they believe in. ​Media, not girls, needs a makeover.

8-10 hours

The average teen girls spends 8-10 hours consuming media a day
(The Representation Project)

69% of girls

69% of girls ages 11 to 21 feel like they are not good enough.
(Girls' Attitudes Survey, 2016)

7 in 10 girls

7 in 10 girls are not assertive about their opinion when they do not like the way they look.
(Dove Global Beauty and Conference Report, 2016)

Our favorite pieces of current media that spreads a message that women should uplift each other!

Purchase tickets to our Jan. 12th LITTLE WOMEN screening! (Limited seating)

Plus, see the empowering content created by all of our middle-school participants

"Michelle Cove's candid assessment of the societal pressures that the media gives to pre-teen and teenage girls was informative and thought-provoking. Michelle's ability to hold the audience's attention was extraordinary!"

Justin Cameron, Principal Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School

I love that anybody can say what they want in the program, and not be judged.

Ella, 13

I love everything about the program and especially the teachers!

Lucy, 13

We learned from MEDIAGIRLS how to stand up to media messages that undermine girls and women. We can either be mesmerized by the media's false images or empowered to re-shape them. MEDIAGIRLS gives girls the tools to transform their lives and the world around them.

Paula Sharaga, Brookline Public Library

This program was both illuminating and empowering! We've been trying to educate our daughter about these kinds of media messages, and this organized class with new adult voices gave her a framework, tools, and lots of media examples.

Vickie H.

This program encouraged my daughter to examine concepts in media that may not have been brought to her attention otherwise. The importance of that is something I am thrilled for her to have experienced! (Parent)

Keith L.

"Michelle Cove is one of the most dynamic, engaging, and inspiring speakers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She gives honest, practical feedback in a way that is both caring and down to earth."

Mikki Pugh, Boston Program Manager, Strong Women, Strong Girls

My daughter LOVED everything about the program, including the communications from the women teaching, the messages, the learning, the CHILL energy it seems to have!

Debra V.

I like discussing all the topics in class, and wouldn't change a thing!

Diana, 12

The workshop was awesome! The MEDIAGIRLS staff really connected with the girls, and they totally "got it!"

Emily Rivard, Partner Camp Coordinator Girls with Altitude Program Director

I am enjoying everything! I like discussing media content, thinking about it, and writing about it.

Mariana, 12

I like discussing all the issues around media going on right now and what we think about them!

Rose, 11

"MEDIAGIRLS brought a thoughtful and informative presentation to our community, which was great for all ages!"

Marley Hanson, Director Camp Farwell

I enjoy the fact that I can be me and express my feelings without being judged. I really like the mentors and all the girls.

Meg, 14

My daughter learned how to recognize different perceptions of women and girls in the media. I love that she had the opportunity to discuss a serious important topic that she might not bring up with friends on her own.

Georgia S.

We are grateful to MEDIAGIRLS for teaching our students and their parents about strengthening their core and empowering them to be "game changers.

Day Newburg, Assistant to the Head of School Cohen Hillel Academy

This program offered a wonderful, inspiring and safe space for our daughter to share her thoughts about media and body image about women!

Jodi H.

MEDIAGIRLS has had a HUGE positive impact on my daughter! I hope that the lessons she has learned will stay with her for her whole lifetime.

Beth K.

The audience at the MEDIAGIRLS workshop at our Boston International Kids Film Festival clearly enjoyed themselves and learned a lot from the interactive presentation!

Olivia Osiecki, Filmmakers Collaborative

My daughter LOVED her experience. I LOVED that she loved it and also that she came away with a different lens to the world.

Rachel K.

The MEDIAGIRLS presentation was informative and thoughtful. Michelle Cove's passion regarding the representation of girls in the media was obvious and motivation to all who had the pleasure of hearing her words!

Keith Civin, The Rashi School, Dedham, MA

MEDIAGIRLS really had a big impact on how our daughter looks at media. She is very into music, and she would talk about songs and how women are portrayed in them, which she had not done before this program. She also does this with ads and commercials.

Julie L.

MEDIAGIRLS counteracts all of the TV that our daughter watches-way too much-and encouraged her to be secure in her own appearance and behavior. She often came home talking about the value of inner beauty and strength.

Naline P.

MEDIAGIRLS was thought provoking and engaging, and the teachers were great. I really can't think of anything that needs changing.

Niela R.

We're not only talking about issues in the media, we're actually doing something about it by making our own content.

Stacia, 14

This program has been a great venue for my daughter engaging with friends around media discussions. Thank you for providing the time and opportunity!

Bruce H.

Michelle Cove was an extremely relatable speaker, which made everyone feel comfortable participating and asking questions!

Samantha Leone, co-founder Media Literacy Club, Newton North High School

I like that it makes me feel good, and when I go home, I don't feel like i have to hide myself!

Hannah, 12

I love that I can practice writing and get good feedback on my work. Also, I hate the way that girls and women are portrayed in the media and I like trying to change that!

Hoa, 14

I like the talks we have with each other because no one holds back!

Sarah, 12

"The MEDIAGIRLS workshop was very empowering, focusing on current issue, and using relevant popular culture examples in a way that spoke powerfully to our young women!"

Mollie Farnham, Outdoor Education Director at Camp Kiniya

Michelle Cove is a charismatic speaker who adeptly presented this difficult topic in a refreshing new light. Michelle's presentation engaged all of the 50 attending students!

Ariel French, Director of Programming for Explo at Wellesley

I felt so proud when my daughter came home and showed me content from the program, and began to question things she saw and experienced in the media. She even asked me if she could take the course again!

Kerry B.

My girl is so sad the class is over; she loved being there so much and looked forward to class every Monday. She even told me, "Mom, how am I supposed to hate Mondays now?"

Janice W.

Featured In

TUGG Makes Boston Event to Grant $140,000 to Six Local Non-Profits

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MEDIAGIRLS teaches girls and young women to harness the power of media for positive change. Participants transform social media from a space known for breeding insecurity, to one where they express their authentic selves, challenge sexist media, and speak up for what they believe in. ​Media, not girls, needs a makeover.

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Young children deserve to be armed early against internet dangers. Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. makes it easy for parents to protect their young kids ages 3 to 6. Using gentle, age-appropriate messages, children will learn to Turn, Run & Tell when they are accidentally exposed to inappropriate content.

Written by best-selling author Kristen A. Jenson of the original Good Pictures Bad Pictures book, the Jr. version is a comfortable, effective way for proactive parents to empower their young kids with their first internal filter!
REVIEWS:
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"Our kids deserve to be warned about the very real dangers of pornography in a simple way they can understand. As a mom of two preschoolers growing up in a digital world, I am thrilled to recommend Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.!. We loved the hidden cameras inside!" Dawn Hawkins, VP & Executive Director, National Center on Sexual Exploitation

"For the sake of the children, I wholeheartedly recommend Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. As a grandfather, father and pastor, I can think of no better gift for a child than the ability to reject pornography. Our kids' future marriages depend on it." Josh McDowell, Josh McDowell Ministries

"Earlier is definitely better when it comes to arming children against pornography. This is a beautiful way to begin protecting your youngest children without jeopardizing their innocence. Get it! Share it!" Matt Fradd, Director at Integrity Restored, Speaker, Author, parent

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good pictures bad pictures jr.: a simple plan to protect young minds

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Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds

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Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds [Kristen A. Jenson, Debbie Fox] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds

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5 Myths and Truths About Kids' Internet Safety

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Help keep your kids' online experiences positive and productive by learning the truth (and ignoring the rumors) about what really makes them safe. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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good pictures bad pictures: porn-proofing today's young kids

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Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids

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Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids [Kristen A Jenson, Debbie Fox] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids

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When you set up purchase sharing, the songs, albums, movies, TV shows, books, and apps purchased by family members are immediately available to everyone else in the group. New content appears in the Purchased tab in iTunes, Apple Books, or the App Store for each family member. Just select the family member whose collection you'd like to browse, then download or play the content you choose. Other family members can access your collection in the same way. If you want to keep some purchases private, you can choose to hide individual items.

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When you set up purchase sharing, the songs, albums, movies, TV shows, books, and apps purchased by family members are immediately available to everyone else in the group. New content appears in the Purchased tab in iTunes, Apple Books, or the App Store for each family member.

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ANCS Weebly

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Dr. Jean Twenga on Smartphones: The New Teen Mental Health Crisis? @serioustomboy #Smerconish

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Thanks for Watching! Please Share and Subscribe! Join My Live Stream Channel by going to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFwDQSq_h3I

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How to Restrict Mature Content, Games, and More on the iPhone

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Parent's Guide: watch Common Sense Media's How to Restrict Mature Content, Games, and More on the iPhone advice video to help you make informed decisions with your children.

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Smartphones are re-shaping family relationships. Right now, as I write in a coffee shop, I can see a mom and dad captivated by their phones while their baby babbles to try to get their attention. I've seen parents use their phones as babysitters-and I feel empathy for them. Everyone needs a break, sometimes to connect with other adults or just to get some work done.

But what happens to children when their parents' attention is diverted away from them and is focused on their phones? Recent research validates what you might already be thinking!

In one study, researchers found that toddlers' ability to learn new words was derailed when their moms were briefly interrupted by a cell phone call. In another recent study, 170 couples with young children completed questionnaires about how much they perceived their mobile phone use was a problem and how often their devices interrupted daily conversations or activities with their children. Parents also reported on their children's problem behaviors, from sulking to temper tantrums. As expected, the researchers found that the more parents reported phone-related interruptions, the more they reported their children displaying both types of negative behaviors.

In a different study, Brandi Stupica examined the effects of parents' mobile phone use on their children's athletic performance. She asked children to run around the bases of a softball diamond under two different circumstances. In one session, researchers told parents to pay attention and respond to their children as they would normally, and turn their bodies toward them. In the other session, they told parents to immerse themselves completely in their phones and ignore their children's bids for their attention while keeping their bodies turned toward them.

The researchers timed how long it took kids to run around the bases and they recorded how often kids tripped, fell, stumbled, or made a false start for each of the sessions. The finding? Children ran faster and were more physically coordinated when their parents were available and responsive compared to when they were absorbed in using their mobile phones.

Smartphones are now a part of our lives, and most of us won't be giving them up anytime soon. However, this research suggests that we should exert some control over our phone use, to minimize the potential negative impact on our children. But how? Here are three tips that might help you out.

1. Put your phone in another room when you're trying to help your child learn something new

It's hard to resist the temptation to check your phone when it's right beside you and you hear the ping of an email notification-even during family time, even knowing that the phone might affect your child's development and your own happiness. Kids learn best when responsive adults are teaching them because they can pay attention to the same thing at the same time together. Having a predictable rhythm during back-and-forth contact helps kids focus on what's important.

The solution is simple: Put your phone in another room. Or, if that's not possible, turn off your notifications.

2. Keep your phone in your back pocket when you're at your kids' games

Athletics are an important part of child development and more than half of American kids are involved in sports. Kids not only notice when parents aren't available to them, they falter more than when a sensitive parent is watching and cheering them on.

When you're on the sidelines of your children's next soccer game, be available and responsive in a way that makes them understand they are in your spotlight. Stay positive, even about the opposing team, so that they feel that your encouragement of them is your primary focus.

"We should exert some control over our phone use, to minimize the potential negative impact on our children"

―Maryam Abdullah, Ph.D.

You might take out your phone to take pictures or text your spouse that the game's almost over, but then put it back in your pocket. You can post those pictures on Facebook after you get home. Watch your kiddo, not your screen.

3. Reflect on whether your phone use might be related to conflict you're having with your kids

Studies suggest parents who are engrossed in their phones tend to respond more harshly to their kids' misbehavior. Children may be more inclined to engage in risky behaviors to get their parents' attention, which might be linked to increased injuries when their parents are on their cell phones.

Is any of that happening in your house? Be honest. If it is, the solutions are self-awareness and intentionality. Instead of mindlessly checking your phone, you can do so only when you have a specific task to perform. Parents who aim to disconnect regularly from their cell phone and begin practicing mindful parenting may find that they have more positive interactions with their children as a result.

I vacillate between appreciating my smartphone and wishing I could teleport back to a time before phones. I'm probably in good company. There is no doubt that smartphones create valuable opportunities for social connection. Sitting at this coffee shop, I've also noticed a mom and her son posing together for a selfie as they enjoy sweet drinks, which no doubt helps them to feel closer. The trick for parents is to use their phones around their kids intentionally as often as possible-and that's undoubtedly tough for a lot of us to do!

Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior?

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Three Tips for Parents to Put Away Their Phones

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Smartphones are re-shaping family relationships. Right now, as I write in a coffee shop, I can see a mom and dad captivated by their phones while their baby babbles to try to get their attention. I've seen parents use their phones as babysitters-and I feel empathy for them.

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"iGen" author on why today's kids are developing more slowly

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A new book is detailing the dramatic effects digital devices can have on today's youth. Author and psychologist Jean Twenge wrote the book "iGen" on why today's super-connected kids are growing up less prepared for adulthood.

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Why are kids more depressed because of electronics?

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In the past week, I've read several studies that are scary to me... the scary truth about what's hurting our kids. We all know that what our kids hear becomes their inner voice, but it's hard to control what they hear from others, isn't it?

CNN recently interviewed Dr Jean Twenge, author of iGen and her interview really worried me - because I saw the truth that I would be facing in just a few short years. Dr. Twenge started doing research 25 years ago on generational differences, but when 2011 -2012 hit, she saw something that would scared her to the core. This is the year when those having iPhones went over the 50% mark.
The results of that should scare all of us.

This was the year that more kids started to say that they felt "sad, hopeless, useless... that they couldn't do anything right (depression)."

They felt left-out and lonely.

There is a 50% increase in clinical level depression between 2011-2015.

Suicide rate goes up.

Substantial increase in suicide rate.
Before I give you anymore, I want you to look at these graphs and look at how the correlate to the iPhones being released.They aren't hanging out with friends nearly as much.

They aren't dating as much. More likely to feel lonely. They are getting less sleep.

She goes onto say that we are on the worst mental health crisis in decades. You can get her book, iGen, with my Amazon affiliate link here, to read the rest of her findings.

Why is this happening? Why are kids more depressed because of electronics?
Think about when we were in school - we didn't know every. time that there was a get-together that we weren't invited to.
We didn't see pictures of each outing or game or party.

We didn't care what we looked like when we were hanging out with friends, because only we were there- I can remember sitting around with my best friends in our sweats just laughing - I didn't wear makeup or care if I had my hair fixed just right because the worry of a phone camera wasn't there.

Think about bullies. When we left the school, we left them. If teasing happened, it didn't happen at home. It didn't happen so publicly. Everyone couldn't see it or know what they were teasing about. Now it's all public knowledge and anyone can join in or watch. It's horrifying.

I can't imagine being a tween or teenager now. Although- as the parents of children, we have to imagine it, because we have to help our children navigate it.

According to Victoria Prooday of YouRot.com, " There is a silent tragedy developing right now, in our homes, and it concerns our most precious jewels - our children... Researchers have been releasing alarming statistics on a sharp and steady increase in kids' mental illness, which is now reaching epidemic proportions:

She goes on to say that "Today's children are being deprived of the fundamentals of a healthy childhood:

You can read the rest of her story at

I couldn't agree more. According to TIME.com, "Despite the rise in teen depression, the study, which analyzed data from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, reported that there hasn't a corresponding increase in mental health treatment for adolescents and young adults. Researchers said this is an indication that there is a growing number of young people who are under-treated or not treated at all for their symptoms. "

The article goes onto say that it's not just teenagers, it's young kids- in elementary school. "Counselors like Ellen Chance in Palm Beach say they see evidence that technology and online bullying are affecting kids' mental health as young as fifth grade, particularly girls.

"I couldn't tell you how many students are being malicious to each other over Instagram. "I've had cases where girls don't to come to school and they are cutting themselves and becoming severely depressed because they feel outcasted and targeted." She says she now sees cutting incidents pretty much weekly at her elementary school, and while they vary in severity, it's a signal that not all is right."

- The AAP now suggest screening all children for depression starting at age 11.

-Get back to what WE did... spend time playing games with our kids.

-Spend dinner talking.

- Drop everything that you are doing when your kids get home from school to TALK to them

- Make dinner without having the TV on, the phone close by, the tablet tuned into something.

- Use car time to talk to the kids (stop allowing electronics in the car)

-Have your kids do chores- responsibilities increase their self worth. Example: if you don't set the table, we can't eat. If you don't wash your clothes, you will have nothing to wear tomorrow:
"To develop a high self-esteem a person needs purpose. A key component to high self-esteem is built on how you view yourself in terms of contribution. In other words, in the child development process, chores are a big role in a kid's self-esteem." ~

-Be sure that your child is getting enough sleep. This is a huge contributing factor.

-Don't keep a lot of junk food in the house. Limit junk & replace it with fruits & vegetables. If your child is picky, they can certainly find a fruit or veggie that they like. (I've taught our kids to make smoothies, too, but they have to clean up after themselves or they lose the privilege of making them... they LOVE to make them).

-Take away electronics and tell your kids to "go play!" Don't feel the need to always play with them. My job, as a play therapist, is to teach parents how to play with their kids to help them, so while I always think that playing with your kids is a good idea, I also want them to play alone.

From the time that our kids were very little, I gave them time to entertain themselves and now they are are all good about finding ways to keep themselves busy (drawing, playing, building, etc..)

- Don't rescue your kids. Here's a recent example that happened in our house:
I've started having our kids pack their own lunches (with my supervision), but yesterday one of our sons decided to wait.. .and wait... and wait. When it was down to 10 minutes before leaving, he asked me to pack it. I said no and he then asked for lunch money. I said "I think it's upstairs in your piggy bank, if you have some in there." His face said it all. I wasn't going to buy him out of this. It was his responsibility.

IT is NEVER easy to teach our kids these lessons, but they serve our kids well. He quickly made himself lunch and was on his way. He learned an important life lesson about preparing himself for the day.

- Talk to your kids about why they need to come to you if something is wrong. I talk to our kids about all of this and they know that I would do anything to help them. I say it daily... "If you are every feeling sad or left out about something and it becomes too big for you to handle easily, come to me. I want you to know that if you ever hurt yourself, you would be hurting your whole family. My happiness would go away with yours."
More posts you might like:
Yes, it's a lot to tell them, but it is the truth. I need them to know it. It's not a joking matter and it's not one to take lightly. Talk to your kids TODAY.
OR join me for this one on one time challenge...
Make a rule with yourself that you will limit YOUR online distractions when your kids are home. Make 3:30-9:00 a no-tech time for you, the parent. (or whatever hours your kids are home). It will not only benefit your kids, but it will help you, too.

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The scary truth about what's hurting our kids

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In the past week, I've read several studies that are scary to me... the scary truth about what's hurting our kids. We all know that what our kids hear becomes their inner voice, but it's hard to control what they hear from others, isn't it?

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If you're wondering which parental controls to install on your desktop, laptop, or tablet, the answer might be right at your fingertips -- literally! The top three internet browsers -- Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari -- each offer settings and add-ons to help make your kid's online experience more age-appropriate. With a few tweaks, you can block sites, filter search results, and even create a white list of sites that are OK for your kid.

As helpful as they are, though, parental control settings are just one piece of the keeping-kids-safe-online puzzle. And the settings will require tweaks as your kids get older. You'll probably want stricter settings when your kids are just starting to go online and gradually ease up as your kids need fewer protections. Most importantly, talk to your kids about responsible online behavior -- and model it, too. Together, explore ways to customize the tools your kids use for school, entertainment, and socializing. Learning how to use technology appropriately and discovering how to make it work for your needs are key to getting the best out of technology -- while minimizing risks. ( Learn more about setting parental controls.)

Set up Google SafeSearch
SafeSearch filters out the most sketchy websites and images, and it's a good first step in keeping the web a safe place for kids to explore. You'll need a Gmail account and be logged in to set up SafeSearch, and you'll need to set it up for each browser and device you use. Make sure each browser uses Google as its search engine; follow the instructions below to check.
In Google Chrome

Click on Menu (at the top right of your browser window, the Menu usually appears as three parallel lines; it should say "Customize and control Google Chrome").

Click Settings, then scroll down to Search.

Under where it says "Set which search engine is used when searching from the omnibox," the drop-down should say Google.
Next, click on your account (the icon on the top right). Click on My Account, then click on Personal Info and Privacy. Under Your Personal Info, scroll down and click on Search Settings. Under SafeSearch filters, select Turn on SafeSearch and then Lock SafeSearch. Here, you can password-protect the SafeSearch setting.

In Apple Safari

In the Settings menu, click on Safari.

Click on Search Engine and select Google.
Next, click on your Safari icon and go to Google.com. Scroll to Settings and select "Search settings." Under SafeSearch Filters, select "Filter explicit results." Tap Save. Tap the question mark icon next to SafeSearch Filters to enable that setting for all your devices.

In Mozilla Firefox

Click on Menu (at the top right of your browser window, the Menu usually appears as three parallel lines; it should say "Open menu").

Click Options, then click on Search.

Under Default Search Engine the drop-down should say Google.
Next, go to Google.com. Scroll to Settings, then select "Search settings." Under "SafeSearch filters," click on "Turn on SafeSearch" and lock it by typing in your password.

Swap out the search engine for a kid-friendlier one
Kid browsers or search sites offer an extra layer of protection for kids roaming the internet, because they come with built-in parental controls and can be easier for younger kids to use.
In Google Chrome

Click the Menu icon and click Settings. Scroll down to Search. Click on "Manage search engines." At the bottom of the new window that opens, you'll see a box that says "Add a new search engine." Here, you can put in any kid-friendly search you like -- for example, one of these. Once you've added the URL, click on "Make default."
In Apple Safari

In Settings, click General and scroll down to Restrictions. You can turn off many features in Restrictions, but for now simply disable Safari. Next, go to the App Store and do a search for "search engines for kids" or "browsers for kids." Choose and install a new search engine based on the description and reviews. Whenever you want Safari back, just re-enable it by going back into Restrictions, and the Safari icon will reappear.
In Mozilla Firefox

Click the Menu icon and click Options. Select Search. At the bottom of the page, click "Add more search engines." On the Add-on page, click More at the top of the page, and under Search Providers, click Kids. Here, you can choose from a wide range of kid-friendly search engines. Follow the steps to add to Firefox. Go back to the Search page under Options and select the new kid's browser as the default search engine.

Customize your browser
Each browser offers unique features to prevent kids from stumbling onto age-inappropriate content.
In Google Chrome

Create a supervised user account. Click on Menu, select Settings, and scroll down to People. Click Add Person. Here, you can add a user, such as your kid, whom you can supervise by clicking "Control and view the websites this person visits when they use your browser." You'll get a dashboard where you can set up search filters to block unwanted content.

Make your Chrome browser off-limits. Also under People, deselect Enable Guest Browsing and "Let anyone add a person to Chrome." These two settings prevent others from using your browser.

Turn off images. On the Settings page, click "Show advanced settings." Under Privacy, click "Content settings." Under Images, click "Do not show any images."

In Apple Safari

Set up additional content filters. Also in Restrictions, scroll down to Allowed Content. Here, you can set age restrictions for downloadable content and websites. Under Websites, check Limit Adult Content. Next, you can add websites to the Always Allow and Never Allow lists.
In Mozilla Firefox

Install add-on parental controls. Go to the Menu and click Add-ons. Click on the Search icon and type in the kind of feature you would like to add, such as "parental controls" or "search filter." Choose an add-on based on the features and reviews. You can experiment with different ones because they're easy to add and remove. Usually, the add-on's icon will appear at the top of the screen so you know it's working. Test it by searching for something it's supposed to filter. If it doesn't work, click on Extensions to troubleshoot.

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Easy, Free Browser Hacks to Make the Internet Safer for Your Kid

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If you're wondering which parental controls to install on your desktop, laptop, or tablet, the answer might be right at your fingertips -- literally! The top three internet browsers -- Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari -- each offer settings and add-ons to help make your kid's online experience more age-appropriate.

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Common Sense Media editors help you choose Kid-Safe Browsers and Search Sites. Let young surfers branch out while staying safe.

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Abstract

Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are now growing up in environments saturated with a variety of traditional and new technologies, which they are adopting at increasing rates. Although there has been much hope for the educational potential of interactive media for young children, accompanied by fears about their overuse during this crucial period of rapid brain development, research in this area still remains limited. This policy statement reviews the existing literature on television, videos, and mobile/interactive technologies; their potential for educational benefit; and related health concerns for young children (0 to 5 years of age). The statement also highlights areas in which pediatric providers can offer specific guidance to families in managing their young children's media use, not only in terms of content or time limits, but also emphasizing the importance of parent-child shared media use and allowing the child time to take part in other developmentally healthy activities.

Introduction

Technologic innovation has transformed media and its role in the lives of infants and young children. More children, even in economically challenged households, are using newer digital technologies, such as interactive and mobile media, on a daily basis and continue to be the target of intense marketing. This policy statement addresses the influence of media on the health and development of children from 0 to 5 years of age, a time of critical brain development, building secure relationships, and establishing health behaviors.

Infants and Toddlers

Children younger than 2 years need hands-on exploration and social interaction with trusted caregivers to develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills. Because of their immature symbolic, memory, and attentional skills, infants and toddlers cannot learn from traditional digital media as they do from interactions with caregivers, and they have difficulty transferring that knowledge to their 3-dimensional experience. The chief factor that facilitates toddlers' learning from commercial media (starting around 15 months of age) is parents watching with them and reteaching the content.,

The interactivity of touchscreens enables applications (apps) to identify when a child responds accurately and then tailor its responses, thereby supporting children at their levels of competence. Emerging evidence shows that at 24 months of age, children can learn words from live video-chatting with a responsive adult or from an interactive touchscreen interface that scaffolds the child to choose the relevant answers. Starting at 15 months of age, toddlers can learn novel words from touchscreens in laboratory-based studies but have trouble transferring this knowledge to the 3-dimensional world. However, it should be noted that these experiments used specially designed apps that are not commercially available.

Many parents now use video-chat (eg, Skype, FaceTime) as an interactive media form that facilitates social connection with distant relatives. New evidence shows that infants and toddlers regularly engage in video-chatting, but the same principles regarding need for parental support would apply in order for infants and toddlers to understand what they are seeing.

In summary, for children younger than 2 years, evidence for benefits of media is still limited, adult interaction with the child during media use is crucial, and there continues to be evidence of harm from excessive digital media use, as described later in this statement.

Preschool Media and Learning

Well-designed television programs, such as Sesame Street, can improve cognitive, literacy, and social outcomes for children 3 to 5 years of age, and continue to create programming that addresses evolving child health and developmental needs (eg, obesity prevention, resilience). Evaluations of apps from Sesame Workshop and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) also have shown efficacy in teaching literacy skills to preschoolers. Unfortunately, most apps parents find under the "educational" category in app stores have no such evidence of efficacy, target only rote academic skills, are not based on established curricula, and use little or no input from developmental specialists or educators., Most apps also generally are not designed for a dual audience (ie, both parent and child)., It is important to emphasize to parents that the higher-order thinking skills and executive functions essential for school success, such as task persistence, impulse control, emotion regulation, and creative, flexible thinking, are best taught through unstructured and social (not digital) play, as well as responsive parent-child interactions.

Digital books (also called "eBooks," books that can be read on a screen) often come with interactive enhancements that, research suggests, may decrease child comprehension of content or parent dialogic reading interactions when visual effects are distracting. Parents should, therefore, be instructed to interact with children during eBook reading, as they would a print book.

Health and Developmental Concerns

Conclusions: Clinical Implications

In summary, multiple developmental and health concerns continue to exist for young children using all forms of digital media to excess. Evidence is sufficient to recommend time limitations on digital media use for children 2 to 5 years to no more than 1 hour per day to allow children ample time to engage in other activities important to their health and development and to establish media viewing habits associated with lower risk of obesity later in life. In addition, encouraging parents to change to educational and prosocial content and engage with their children around technology will allow children to reap the most benefit from what they view.

As digital technologies become more ubiquitous, pediatric providers must guide parents not only on the duration and content of media their child uses, but also on (1) creating unplugged spaces and times in their homes, because devices can now be taken anywhere; (2) the ability of new technologies to be used in social and creative ways; and (3) the importance of not displacing sleep, exercise, play, reading aloud, and social interactions. Realistically, pediatric providers will need to know how to help parents find resources finding appropriate content, tools for monitoring or limiting child use, ideas for play or activities in which to engage rather than digital play, and how parents can limit their own media use (see HealthyChildren.org for examples); each of these can be built into the Family Media Use Plan (see the American Academy of Pediatrics guide to developing a plan at www.healthychildren.org/MediaUsePlan).

Recommendations

Lead Authors

Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP

Dimitri Christakis, MD, MPH, FAAP

Council on Communications And Media Executive Committee, 2016-2017

David Hill, MD, FAAP, Chairperson

Nusheen Ameenuddin, MD, MPH, FAAP

Yolanda (Linda) Reid Chassiakos, MD, FAAP

Corinn Cross, MD, FAAP

Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP

Jeffrey Hutchinson, MD, FAAP

Rhea Boyd, MD, FAAP

Robert Mendelson, MD, FAAP

Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP

Justin Smith, MD, FAAP

Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP

Liaisons

Kris Kaliebe, MD - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Jennifer Pomeranz, JD, MPH - American Public Health Association

Brian Wilcox, PhD - American Psychological Association

Footnotes

Policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics benefit from expertise and resources of liaisons and internal (AAP) and external reviewers. However, policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics may not reflect the views of the liaisons or the organizations or government agencies that they represent.

The guidance in this statement does not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.

All policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics automatically expire 5 years after publication unless reaffirmed, revised, or retired at or before that time.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The authors have indicated they do not have a financial relationship relevant to this article to disclose.

FUNDING: No external funding.

POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

View Abstract

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Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are now growing up in environments saturated with a variety of traditional and new technologies, which they are adopting at increasing rates. Although there has been much hope for the educational potential of interactive media for young children, accompanied by fears about their overuse during this crucial period of rapid brain development, research in this area still remains limited.

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Media Use Patterns

The most common broadcast medium continues to be TV. A recent study found that TV hours among school-aged children have decreased in the past decade for children younger than 8 years. However, among children aged 8 years and older, average daily TV time remains over 2 hours per day. TV viewing also has changed over the past decade, with content available via streaming or social media sites, such as YouTube and Netflix.

Overall media use among adolescents has continued to grow over the past decade, aided by the recent increase in mobile phone use among teenagers. Approximately three-quarters of teenagers today own a smartphone, which allows access to the Internet, streaming TV/videos, and interactive "apps." Approximately one-quarter of teenagers describe themselves as "constantly connected" to the Internet.

Social media sites and mobile apps provide platforms for users to create an online identity, communicate with others, and build social networks. At present, 76% of teenagers use at least 1 social media site. Although Facebook remains the most popular social media site, teenagers do not typically commit to just 1 social media platform; more than 70% maintain a "social media portfolio" of several selected sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Mobile apps provide a breadth of functions, such as photo sharing, games, and video-chatting.

Video games remain very popular among families; 4 of 5 households own a device used to play video games. Boys are the most avid video game players, with 91% of boys reporting having access to a game console and 84% reporting playing video games online or on a cell phone.

Benefits of Media

Both traditional and social media can provide exposure to new ideas and information, raising awareness of current events and issues. Interactive media also can provide opportunities for the promotion of community participation and civic engagement. Students can collaborate with others on assignments and projects on many online media platforms. The use of social media helps families and friends who are separated geographically communicate across the miles.

Social media can enhance access to valuable support networks, which may be particularly helpful for patients with ongoing illnesses, conditions, or disabilities. In 1 study, young adults described the benefits of seeking health information online and through social media, and recognized these channels as useful supplementary sources of information to health care visits. Research also supports the use of social media to foster social inclusion among users who may feel excluded or who are seeking a welcoming community: for example, those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or intersex. Finally, social media may be used to enhance wellness and promote healthy behaviors, such as smoking cessation and balanced nutrition.

Risks of Media

A first area of health concern is media use and obesity, and most studies have focused on TV. One study found that the odds of being overweight were almost 5 times greater for adolescents who watch more than 5 hours of TV per day compared with those who watch 0 to 2 hours. This study's findings contributed to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics that children have 2 hours or less of sedentary screen time daily. More recent studies have provided new evidence that watching TV for more than 1.5 hours daily was a risk factor for obesity, but only for children 4 through 9 years of age. Increased caloric intake via snacking while watching TV has been shown to be a risk factor for obesity, as is exposure to advertising for high-calorie foods and snacks., Having a TV in the bedroom continues to be associated with the risk of obesity.

Evidence suggests that media use can negatively affect sleep. Studies show that those with higher social media use or who sleep with mobile devices in their rooms were at greater risk of sleep disturbances. Exposure to light (particularly blue light) and activity from screens before bed affects melatonin levels and can delay or disrupt sleep. Media use around or after bedtime can disrupt sleep and negatively affect school performance.

Children who overuse online media are at risk of problematic Internet use, and heavy users of video games are at risk of Internet gaming disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, lists both as conditions in need of further research. Symptoms can include a preoccupation with the activity, decreased interest in offline or "real life" relationships, unsuccessful attempts to decrease use, and withdrawal symptoms. The prevalence of problematic Internet use among children and adolescents is between 4% and 8%,, and up to 8.5% of US youth 8 to 18 years of age meet criteria for Internet gaming disorder.

At home, many children and teenagers use entertainment media at the same time that they are engaged in other tasks, such as homework. A growing body of evidence suggests that the use of media while engaged in academic tasks has negative consequences on learning.,

Social Media and Mental Health

Research studies have identified both benefits and concerns regarding mental health and social media use. Benefits from the use of social media in moderation include the opportunity for enhanced social support and connection. Research has suggested a U-shaped relationship between Internet use and depression, with increased risks of depression at both the high and low ends of Internet use., One study found that older adolescents who used social media passively (eg, viewing others' photos) reported declines in life satisfaction, whereas those who interacted with others and posted content did not experience these declines. Thus, in addition to the number of hours an individual spends on social media, a key factor is how social media is used.

Social Media and Privacy

Content that an adolescent chooses to post is shared with others, and the removal of such content once posted may be difficult or impossible. Adolescents vary in their understanding of privacy practices; even those who know how to set privacy settings often don't believe they will work. Despite efforts by some social media sites to protect privacy or to delete content after it is viewed, privacy violations and unwelcome distribution are always risks.,

Parent Media Use and Child Health

Social media can provide positive social experiences, such as opportunities for parents to connect with children via video-chat services. Unfortunately, some parents can be distracted by media and miss important opportunities for emotional connections that are known to improve child health., One research study found that when a parent turned his or her attention to a mobile device while with a young child, the parent was less likely to talk with the child. Parental engagement is critical in the development of children's emotional and social development, and these distractions may have short- and long-term negative effects.

Pediatricians

Work with families and schools to promote understanding of the benefits and risks of media.

Promote adherence to guidelines for adequate physical activity and sleep via a Family Media Use Plan ( www.HealthyChildren.org/MediaUsePlan).

Advocate for and promote information and training in media literacy.

Be aware of tools to screen for sexting, cyberbullying, problematic Internet use, and Internet gaming disorder.

Families

Develop, consistently follow, and routinely revisit a Family Media Use plan (see the plan from the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.HealthyChildren.org/MediaUsePlan).

Address what type of and how much media are used and what media behaviors are appropriate for each child or teenager, and for parents. Place consistent limits on hours per day of media use as well as types of media used.

Promote that children and adolescents get the recommended amount of daily physical activity (1 hour) and adequate sleep (8-12 hours, depending on age).

Recommend that children not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers, and smartphones. Avoid exposure to devices or screens for 1 hour before bedtime.

Discourage entertainment media while doing homework.

Designate media-free times together (eg, family dinner) and media-free locations (eg, bedrooms) in homes. Promote activities that are likely to facilitate development and health, including positive parenting activities, such as reading, teaching, talking, and playing together.

Communicate guidelines to other caregivers, such as babysitters or grandparents, so that media rules are followed consistently.

Engage in selecting and co-viewing media with your child, through which your child can use media to learn and be creative, and share these experiences with your family and your community.

Have ongoing communication with children about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect online and offline, avoiding cyberbullying and sexting, being wary of online solicitation, and avoiding communications that can compromise personal privacy and safety.

Actively develop a network of trusted adults (eg, aunts, uncles, coaches, etc) who can engage with children through social media and to whom children can turn when they encounter challenges.

Researchers, Governmental Organizations, and Industry

Corinn Cross, MD, FAAP

David Hill, MD, FAAP, Chairperson

Nusheen Ameenuddin, MD, MPH, FAAP

Corinn Cross, MD, FAAP

Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP

Jeffrey Hutchinson, MD, FAAP

Rhea Boyd, MD, FAAP

Robert Mendelson, MD, FAAP

Justin Smith, MD, FAAP

View Abstract

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Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents

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This policy statement focuses on children and adolescents 5 through 18 years of age. Research suggests both benefits and risks of media use for the health of children and teenagers. Benefits include exposure to new ideas and knowledge acquisition, increased opportunities for social contact and support, and new opportunities to access health-promotion messages and information.

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Weekly blog with conversation starters about social media, video game use, tech tips, latest research and more Calm, consistent conversations about screen time can improve family AND classroom dynamics. Check out the hundreds of past Tech Talk Tuesdays.

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Parental Control & Internet Filtering Device and App | Meet Circle

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Circle is the easiest parental control device and app to manage screen time across all your family’s connected devices. Keep kids safe online: block inappropriate content and set online time limits.

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American Academy of Pediatrics
Family Media Plan

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​Use this Family Media Plan to create a personalized plan for how all kinds of media are used in your family. ​​

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Gaming can make a better world

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Jane McGonigal: Gaming can make a better world

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Games like World of Warcraft give players the means to save worlds, and incentive to learn the habits of heroes. What if we could harness this gamer power to solve real-world problems? Jane McGonigal says we can, and explains how.

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While statistics have shown for the last several years that the average age of first exposure to porn is 11 years old, the chilling results of a recent study have just been released that shows children are accessing hardcore porn sites earlier than ever.

According to research by security technology company Bitdefender, kids under the age of 10 now account for 22% of online porn consumption among the under 18 age. Internal intelligence from Bitdefender's parental control feature revealed that the under-10 age group is now accounting for one in 10 of the visitors to porn video sites. Even more unsettling, the sites most visited by children under 10 include porn mega sites which feature categories such as 'extreme brutal gang bang', 'sleep assault', ' domestic discipline,' and ' crying in pain. '

Although most porn websites initially lead to a landing page that asks users to confirm they are 18 or older before entering the site, this proves to be a terrible deterrent, considering these sites have no actual way to verify the genuine age of who is clicking.

"The research shows that, unless they are carefully supervised by their parents, children start visiting porn websites from an early age," Bitdefender's Senior e-Threat Analyst Bogdan Botezatu told Mirror. "While porn sites only formally restrict minors, parents can easily take simple measures by installing security solutions with a parental control tool that can block access to unauthorized areas."

The shocking stats come after the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) called for stricter regulation of porn sites, as part of UK government's Digital Economy Bill. The children's charity says porn sites that don't comply with age verification checks should be prevented from operating in the UK.
Related: British Government Seeks to Verify Age of Porn Site Visitors
"A generation of children are in danger of being stripped of their childhoods at a young age by stumbling across extreme and violent porn online," said Peter Wanless, the chief executive of the NSPCC. "We simply want children to be protected from adult-only material online as they are in the off-line world."

The NSPCC has consulted on proposals to the UK government that are currently in place, but the organization says it is "concerned" that penalties will be ignored by porn companies that break the rules. It argues that the government should carry the power to cut off income from porn sites that allow minors to access their explicit content. The charity also says any site that doesn't follow the rules should be forcefully blocked by internet service providers.

"This is not about censorship - we don't want to stop adults from viewing legal pornography," said Wanless to the Mirror. "Tougher regulation will simply bring sites who don't act responsibly into line with those who are already making age verification a priority. But we believe that if a company can't operate within the law they should not be able to do business in the UK."

Why This Matters

While these findings are surely unsettling, we will have to see if they are backed up by further research; only time and further analysis will tell. But regardless of whether this new study is a statistically accurate reflection the growing issue of kids accessing porn, we know that the age of first exposure is getting younger and younger. We receive messages from parents telling us how their children as young as 8 years old are accessing pornography, and that kids as young as 12 years old are showing signs of compulsive porn viewing that is already affecting their young lives.
Related: The Percentage of 12-Year-Olds Who Admit To Struggling With Porn Will Shock You
As stated above by the NSPPC, our purpose is not to restrict adults' rights to view legal forms of pornography, it is to decrease the demand for porn by raising awareness on its harmful effects and also to protect children from falling victim to something that can easily lead to a lifelong addiction. We've always believed that if people truly understood the harms of pornography, they would choose not to support it. We support acts that recognize porn as a public health issue and help to promote programs to educate kids and teens on the issue. Hopefully saving generations of kids from their first exposure to pornography will also protect relationships and the society we live in as a whole.

What YOU Can Do

Add your voice to this conversation. SHARE this article to spread the word on how porn is affecting children worldwide, and raise awareness on its harmful effects.

Spark Conversations

This movement is all about changing the conversation about pornography. When you rep a tee, you can spark meaningful conversation on porn's harms and inspire lasting change in individuals' lives, and our world. Are you in? Check out all our styles in our online store, or click below to shop:

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One in 10 Visitors to Graphic Porn Sites Are Under 10 Years Old

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While statistics have shown for the last several years that the average age of first exposure to porn is 11 years old, the chilling results of a recent study have just been released that shows children are accessing hardcore porn sites earlier than ever.

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In partnership with parents and schools: 6 million children covered. 629 thousand severe self-harm situations detected. 2.6 million severe bullying situations detected. Bark's affordable, award-winning dashboard proactively monitors text messages, YouTube, emails, and 30+ different social networks for potential safety concerns, so busy parents can save time and gain peace of mind.

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