How Screen Time Shapes Kids
This rebroadcast originally aired on January 28, 2021.
Online school. Virtual playdates. Video games. What does it mean for children that more and more of their world is now mediated through a screen? After the pandemic, how will they transition back?
Guests
Anya Kamenetz, NPR education correspondent. Author of “The Art Of Screen Time.” (@anya1anya)
Natasha Burgert, pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Member of the advisory board for Wait Until 8th, a group that encourages parents to wait until 8th grade before purchasing a smart phone for their child. (@DoctorNatasha)
Also Featured
Spandana Pavuluri, sophomore at duPont Manual High School in Louisville, KY.
Vicki Rideout, independent researcher. Founder of VJR Consulting.
Kyla Riccobon, 7th grade English teacher in Berwick, Penn.
Interview Highlights
On measuring average screen time during the pandemic
Anya Kamenetz: “You can talk about the 70% increase in platforms like Roblox. And the ratcheting up of obviously, educational software. So all those platforms are seeing a lot more traffic. But, I mean, I titled my book two years ago, The Art of Screen Time, because time is how we’ve all been conditioned to look at this.
“But I really, really encourage that parents don’t fixate so
