| | How do social systems, family life, and digital media shape child development? Dr. Stephanie Reich’s career has addressed this question from multiple angles while examining broader considerations about contextual relationships in families, with peers, at schools, and within healthcare, with a particular eye toward family ecologies. From early childhood education to adolescent social media use, her research has investigated the complex intersections of technology, family dynamics, and developmental science. Learn how her work with Children and Screens — and her vision for more inclusive, real-world research — is helping reimagine what healthy development looks like in the digital age. | | |
Parents and caregivers today face what can feel like momentous (and fraught) decisions about how and when to introduce new technology to children. Episode 14 of Screen Deep, Assessing Child Readiness for Tech, is an extended conversation between host Kris Perry and pediatrician Jenny Radesky, MD. Dr. Radesky offers tips for parents navigating these tough choices and advises them on how best to support children’s health and skill-building in the process.
Missed earlier episodes? Looking for show notes? Visit the Screen Deep archive for all previous episodes and catch up on the conversations you've missed. The next episode drops June 4!
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Congress session line-up is live! From groundbreaking research and cutting-edge design to bold policy ideas and real-world parenting guidance, this year’s Digital Media and Developing Minds International Scientific Congress explores how digital media is shaping childhood, and what we can do to make a healthier and safer world for all children.
🗓️ Browse the line up of panels and start mapping out your personalized schedule for the conversations that matter to you most.
🕚 Haven’t registered yet? The 2025 Congress is less than two months away – save your spot today.
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ReThink Citizens Youth Squad is seeking applicants (through May 31, 2025) ages 15-25 interested in receiving training to present social media safety workshops to parents and caregivers in their communities this Fall.
“The "Children and AI Design Code,” published by 5Rights Foundation, provides new findings and guidelines for developing AI systems that impact children with their rights and well-being in mind.
Accountable Tech released “Scary Feeds: The Reality of Teen Accounts,” in collaboration with Design it For Us. The report shows that Instagram Teen Accounts do not always live up to Meta’s promise to protect teens online.
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The Handbook of Children and Screens: Digital Media, Development, and Well-Being from Birth Through Adolescence has surpassed two million views – a major milestone made possible by the contributions of nearly 400 expert authors. Together, they’ve brought the latest research, insights, and actionable recommendations to the forefront of conversations about digital media and its impact on children and adolescents.
This comprehensive, open access resource continues to serve policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and parents as they navigate today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Section summaries are available on the Children and Screens website.
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Pair episode 14 of Screen Deep with a tip sheet from our smartphone series. These companion resources offer expert-backed guidance on how to talk with children before handing over their first phone, plus practical tips for setting boundaries that support healthy habits and minimizing family conflict. | | | | | | | | |
Since January 1st, there has been a surge of legislative activity in capitals across the country, including executive actions, hearings, and proposed bills. On Monday, May 19th, President Donald Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law. Earlier this month, the house budget reconciliation bill passed by the Energy and Commerce Committee included a provision limiting state regulations of artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile in the Senate, bipartisan momentum is building around online safety for youth, with the re-introduction of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).
| | | | WEBINAR SHORT: The Numbing Effects of Violent Media | | | From the #AskTheExperts webinar “Violent Media, Toxic Online Spaces, and Youth Aggression." In this #AskTheExperts webinar clip, Dr. Brad J. Bushman (Professor of Communication, The Ohio State University) explains how repeated exposure to violent media can desensitize viewers— dulling empathy, lowering physiological responses to real-world violence, and making people, including children, less likely to help others in need. | | | | | Your support plays a crucial role in delivering science-based, actionable insights to families, educators, and key decision-makers. Your generosity supports collaborative research, public education initiatives, and our nonpartisan advocacy work across the country. | | | | |
