Stop the Freakout Over Kids’ Screen Time
Mother Jones July 2, 2021
Filed in: Technology
Dr. Candice Odgers, UC Irvine psychology professor and member of the National Scientific Council on Adolescence, was one of the researchers interviewed about what the science REALLY says about kids' digital media use.
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In this webinar, hosted with Spring Point Partners, NSCA member Candice Odgers explored the real risks and benefits of digital technology use during adolescence, and discussed how we can support young people to develop the skills they need to successfully navigate new and existing technology throughout their lives.
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NSCA member Candice Odgers was quoted in a New York Times article about the new screen time warning issued by the Surgeon General. Although the warning linked excessive time online to worse sleep issues, anxiety, depression, alcohol use, and other health harms, experts say the research is more nuanced. “Much of the existing research does not suggest that social media use is a major predictor of whether a child will develop mental health issues,” said Candice. Rather, she said, “it suggests that children who are already struggling with mental health or other issues are more likely to spend time online.”
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