Andrew Bracken

To measure the long-lasting impacts screen time use may be having on our kids, major long-running science-based research is needed. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study is looking to help by following the brain development of over ten thousand children over multiple years, tracking many aspects of children's lives, including screens. A psychologist and principal investigator of the ABCD Study in San Diego shares some of the study’s findings on technology use and childhood development. Research: https://abcdstudy.org/

Bullying has grown beyond just the schoolyard. As children’s social lives have moved increasingly online in recent years, the problem of cyberbullying has become a top concern for parents. A child psychiatrist shares helpful tips for parents when it comes to the dangers of cyberbullying and sextortion. Child psychiatrist Dr. Willough Jenkins shares helpful tips for parents to approach conversations with their kids about the dangers of cyberbullying and sextortion. Resources: https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it

What does video game addiction look like and what can we do about it? Dr. Clifford Sussman is a child psychiatrist who specializes in video game and internet addiction. He defines the problem, explains how to spot it, and some ways to treat it. Resources: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/digital-addictions-a-family-guide-to-prevention-signs-and-treatment/

Researcher and pediatrician Dr. Jason Nagata shares what he’s learned about screen time and its impact on the long term health of young people. His evidence-based research has led to important findings on how screen time can impact a child’s sleep, eating habits, and body image. Dr. Nagata also explains what a family media plan is and why he feels creating one is something parents should consider. Resources: Family Media Plan from American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx

Often, discussions around screen time and kids can feel like an all-or-nothing approach to screens is needed. Dr. Michael Rich prefers a more nuanced approach. The pediatrician and founder of the Digital Wellness Lab shares his tips for achieving a balanced and nuanced relationship to screens for families. Research from the Digital Wellness Lab: https://digitalwellnesslab.org/resources/ “The Mediatrician’s Guide: A Joyful Approach to Raising Healthy, Smart, Kind Kids in a Screen-Saturated World.” https://digitalwellnesslab.org/articles/dr-rich-highlights-lab-research-in-his-new-book/

Being a parent today means having to manage our children’s digital lives. Playgrounds aren’t just outdoors anymore, and childhood is spent increasingly on screens in digital spaces. ScreenTime features conversations with experts and researchers to help parents navigate the challenges that come with parenting in the digital age.

The race is on for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 4 seat. The district includes parts of central and southeastern San Diego, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley.

The race is on for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 4 seat. The district includes parts of central and Southeastern San Diego, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley.

Former employees of the San Diego Union-Tribune are worried about the effects of the newspaper's sale. Staff have already been warned about looming budget cuts.