Thanks Laura for this wonderful post. Enjoyed the read and restack a quote. Screen time is a battle for parents too: on one hand, you don’t want to have your kids be hooked by it. On the other hand you don’t want them to be left out by their peers. Need some balance.
You provided suggestions for teens after 9yo. Would you have suggestions for younger kids too?
Hi Laura Have you considered the impact on teens of the apps providing AI girlfriends? It seems to me to be a further isolating factor in teens use of their smartphones. I’m just reading about reports of the use of the AI girlfriends apps but I’m not finding any information about how the acceptance/ use by teenagers. It’s an emerging phenomenon that really needs to be tracked. You are doing great work. Thanks.
Such a timely piece, Laura. Appreciate the evidence-based guidance. I’ve been thinking about similar questions but starting earlier in childhood. So important that we shift the conversation from screen time to screen relationships.
No phone before 16.
No Crack Cocaine ever.
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Thank you so much! Truly.
Thanks Laura for this wonderful post. Enjoyed the read and restack a quote. Screen time is a battle for parents too: on one hand, you don’t want to have your kids be hooked by it. On the other hand you don’t want them to be left out by their peers. Need some balance.
You provided suggestions for teens after 9yo. Would you have suggestions for younger kids too?
Thanks for the post.
It is a hard balance for parents and it’s so hard to gauge that balance too. Here’s a sample age guide for younger kids:
Toddlers (1–3 years)
-Keep it co-viewed: If screens are used, watch together and talk about what’s happening. It’s about connection, not just distraction.
-Prioritize real-world interaction: Play, talk, & explore together since this helps brains more than any app can.
-Avoid fast-paced or overstimulating shows; slower, simple content supports attention skills.
Preschoolers (4–5 years)
-Build media literacy: Ask, “What happened in that story?” to help them process and retell.
-Use clear cues: Transitions are hard, so use timers or visual reminders to signal when screen time is ending.
-Keep content purposeful: Choose shows or games with stories, problem-solving, or creativity (not just entertainment).
Early Elementary (6–8 years)
-Ask what they like and why: “What’s your favorite part of this game?” helps them reflect rather than zone out.
-Establish tech habits: Introduce device-free routines (like during meals or car rides).
-Encourage balance: Balance digital time with unstructured play, which supports emotional regulation and executive function.
Thanks Laura! These are wonderful suggestions and make sense. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to more contents from you. Best regards.
Hi Laura Have you considered the impact on teens of the apps providing AI girlfriends? It seems to me to be a further isolating factor in teens use of their smartphones. I’m just reading about reports of the use of the AI girlfriends apps but I’m not finding any information about how the acceptance/ use by teenagers. It’s an emerging phenomenon that really needs to be tracked. You are doing great work. Thanks.
Such a timely piece, Laura. Appreciate the evidence-based guidance. I’ve been thinking about similar questions but starting earlier in childhood. So important that we shift the conversation from screen time to screen relationships.