Many parents believe their kids spend far too much time on their computers and phones New research shows two steps -- restricting screens at meals and bedtime, as well as 'good modeling' by parents -- can curb overuse Using screen time as a reward or punishment does not help, however WEDNESDAY, June 5, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Parents frustrated with kids who are seemingly glued to their phones, take heart: New research finds you can tear them away from their devices. Two approaches seem to work best: Limiting screens during meals or bedtime, and modeling good screen behaviors yourself, according to a team from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). “These results are heartening because they give parents some concrete strategies they can use with their tweens and young teens: set screen time limits, keep track of your kids’ screen use and avoid screens in bedrooms and at mealtimes,” said study first author Dr.
Jason Nagata . “Also, try to practice what you preach," added Nagata, a pediatrician at UCSF's Benioff Children’s Hospitals. His team published its findings June 5 in the journal Pediatric Research .
The study focused on tweens -- kids ages 12 and 13. “We wanted to look at young adolescents in particular, because they are at a stage when mobile phone and social media use often ramps up and sets the course for future habits,” Nagata explained in a UCSF news release. They turned to a cohort of over 10,000 people taking part in the Adolescent Bra.
