Kids and the Screen World

Kids and the Screen World• Robert Wiskind, M.D.• Peachtree Park Pediatrics• Immediate Past President, Georgia Chapter American Academy or Pediatrics

Mediatrician

1.A Pediatrician who studies media and children.

2.A Pediatrician who utilizes social media and other digital platforms to communicate.

Recreational Computer Time

2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

• 31% of high school students reported spending three or more hours daily playing video games or using a computer for something other than school• Boys were more likely than girls to report playing for more than three

hours a day (35% vs. 27%)

Social Media and Children

Benefits of Social Media

• Opportunities for community engagement• Enhancement of individual and collective creativity• Growth of ideas• Expansion of connections through shared interest (especially with

others from diverse backgrounds)• Fostering individual identity and unique social skills

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying

Deliberately using digital media to communicate false, embarrassing, or hostile information about another person.

2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

• One in six high school students reported being electronically bullied within the past 12 months• Girls were more than twice as likely to report being a victim of

cyberbullying than boys (22% vs. 11%)• Whites reported being the victim of cyberbullying more than twice as

frequently as blacks

Sexting

Sexting

Sending, receiving or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photographs or images via cell phone, computer or other digital device.

Sexting• 2011 Study of 10-17 year olds• 2.5% participated in sexting in past year• Increased to nearly 10% if definition includes sexually suggestive as well as

sexually explicit texts

• 2014 Study of 10-15 year olds with access to texting• 20% received at least one sext within past year• 5% sent at least one sext• Those who sext were 4-6 times more likely to be sexually active

The Talk

The Talk

Talking to Kids about Media

• Frequent, repetitive discussion (Not “THE TALK”)• Teachable moments•Clear expectations (Family Media Plan)• Enforcement•Modeling

Media Violence and Children

Media Violence and Children

Media Violence and Children• Media violence

• Can encourage aggressive thoughts, beliefs, and even actions in children and adolescents

• May be responsible for perhaps 10% or more of real-life violence in society.

• Movies• More violent acts

• Gun violence in PG-13 movies tripled since 1985• 89% of top grossing films contain violence

• Ratings creep

• Violent video games• Increase violent feelings, attitudes, and behavior• Reduce prosocial behavior.

Digital Natives vs. Immigrants

Natives vs. Immigrants

The New York Times

Apps and Games for Kids

AAP Recommendations•No TV under 2 years of age•Limit screen time to 1-2 hours/day•No TV in child’s bedroom•Balance screen time and active time•Family meals free of screens