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Kids, Parents and Technology: Blogs/Comments and Articles by Eitan 'Dr. S' Schwarz

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Stop drifting in fast technology currents and start swimming!

Posted May 14, 2010

Originally published in the New York Times 5.14.10 A recent New York Times story describes how cellphone texting is now more frequent than voice calls. Such a trend is but one example of how, in subtle and not so subtle ways, technology is changing our lives day by day. Bullying and sexting are other instances of ugly destructiveness, also powerfully portrayed in David Schwimmer's recent drama, "Trust". For the past decade, we and our kids seem to have been caught in the turbulent, fast moving, powerful, and seductive currents of technological progress. Sexting and texting were hardly in our vocabulary two years ago. It is stunning

The New York Times: Cellphones Now Used More for Data Than for Calls

Posted May 14, 2010

5.14.10 LET'S PUT AN END TO THE CHAOS! Day by day, our uses of technology are changing our lives in subtle and not so subtle ways. The increase use of texting is but one example. David Schwimmer’s recent “Trust” portrays its ugly destructiveness. What we need urgently is a way to think from the top down so that we have some control over these trends, rather than merely passively measuring them and complaining helplessly or reacting to specific problems. How our kids use technology cannot be left to trends of popular culture any more than their education or nutrition. And we ourselves

David Schwimmer’s TRUST Is a Call to Action

Posted May 11, 2010

Drama is Great Tool for Health Education about Technology but Formspring Shows Parental Measures Insufficient David Schwimmer and Andy Bellin's important play "Trust" just closed its three months' debut run at Chicago's Looking Glass Theater last week-end, and is fortunately slated to resurface as a movie later this year. The drama is a moving portrayal of the life-changing consequences of an Internet romance between an innocent teenage girl and an adult male predator. The truth of this drama and how close it is to all our lives and a threat to our loved ones is powerful. The audience seems to hold its breath

MyDigitalFamily Launches Second Edition of Trailblazing Technology Guide for Families and Children

Posted May 8, 2010

MyDigitalFamily announced today a second edition of its acclaimed guidebook, "Kids, Parents & Technology: A Guide for Young Families". This book offers the first and only child- and family-centered total approach to home consumption of all digital media written by a distinguished and credible expert. It is unique in providing a positive and hopeful orientation to technology to parents, grandparents, librarians, educators, and other child care professionals, and although it covers safety, it treats the subjects as a family issue. The author has been termed by some the "Dr. Spock of kids and technology," referring to the famed pediatrician who guided generations of

A major disaster is now in the making: Kids are becoming Addicted to Media and Parents are Helpless

Posted May 1, 2010

A major disaster is now in the making: Kids are becoming Addicted to Media. Parents MUST start right now to organize young children's and their own media lives or have less happy, less creative kids hopelessly addicted to technology Two studies reported today should alarm parents: Middle schoolers who are allowed to watch R-rated movies are more likely to use alcohol later (Dartmouth) and most college students are already "addicted" to media and suffer serious symptoms when withdrawn (University of Maryland). Together with other studies and recent reports by the Pew and Kaiser Family Foundations, an alarming picture is emerging. Limiting access, filtering,

ABC.com: The View Hot Topics

Posted April 29, 2010

Link to Video 4.29.10 What to Say to a Child Who Wants to Text, an IPad, a cell phone, or any other ways to consume media: I am the parent and want the best for you. Piecemeal q and a's are helpful but really not enough, as new issues keep coming up all the time about managing kids' uses of technology. Parents need to take charge with a new and comprehensive solid way of thinking to guide how they apply their skills in this area, no matter what the latest platform. IMHO, parents need to make a commitment to a comprehensive plan to

What to Say to a Child Who Wants to Text, an iPad, a cell phone, or any other ways to consume media

Posted April 28, 2010

4.28.10 Piecemeal q and a's are helpful but really not enough, as new issues keep coming up all the time about managing kids' uses of technology. Parents need a new and comprehensive solid way of thinking to guide how they apply their skills in this area, no matter what the latest platform. IMHO, parents need to make a commitment to a comprehensive plan to organize media consumption at home based on individual kids' needs and family practices, to teach best practices, and to prevent inappropriate and excessive use later in

The Wall Street Journal: Child Psychiatrist: iPad can be good for kids and families Apple’s iPad Is for Moms Now, Techies Later on Huff and Laptop Killer?

Posted April 20, 2010

Link to Original Article 4.2.10 Apple’s new iPad adds a universe of new applications to those already in iPhones on a larger, more accessible touch screen that include books, games, business tools, newspapers, presentation managers, a word processor. This tablet is a serious tool for serious people. Before bringing it home, every parent must think through its impact on the kids and family life because the iPad also puts unprecedented interactive media power into children’s hands. Mobile, tactile, responsive, and intensely user friendly, the large screen sparkles with sharp colorful images and text. “The iPad is the magical stuff kids (and the

Monitoring Kids’ Cellphone Activity

Posted March 26, 2010

Link to Original Article 3.26.10 Although media are such pervasive aspects of our kids' lives, parents continue to react in a piecemeal and poorly coordinated manner to this powerful force. It is time to think comprehensively and decide the role of media in your kids' lives and to form a rational and comprehensive media plan for each child. Monitoring and restricting are usually only partially effective approaches. Parents need to become proactive and plan media consumption as they do food consumption. Otherwise, kids will continue to consume junk media as they do junk

Obama to parents: School nights for homework, not TV

Posted March 25, 2010

3.25.10 Whatever your politics about healthcare, the President and First Lady are right on about this . President Obama and the First Lady are on the right track when it comes to finding the right balance for their daughters’ media lives, "The girls don't watch TV during the week. Period." While it seems at first glance that the presidential couple’s emphasis is on restrictions and making rules, the real message is actually on the positive: “Very early on, we set expectations for Malia and Sasha in terms of them taking responsibility for their own education." No TV means doing schoolwork instead. It is

The Internet Is Making Us Shallow and Vapid! (Or Maybe We Were Just Shallow And Vapid To Begin With)

Posted March 17, 2010

Link to Original Post 3.17.10 All of us are now magicians of fast, immediate social access, knowledge, and interactivity. Mobile interactive technologies brilliantly transcend the old pre-digital realities of time and space, and we too can give into our own impulses to get what we want and need when we want it without the old delays. The pre-digital world reality disciplined us to slow us down, to delay our impulses, and to use our judgment and other human gifts to give us more control and depth and richness over our complex lives. Our brand new reality makes possible communication in small quick

Google, Facebook, Twitter, and the Wisdom 2.0 Conference

Posted March 12, 2010

Link to Original Article 3.12.10 The old limitations of time and space that allow for silence, reflection, and inspiration are short-circuited by the brilliant engineering of today's technology. Spiritual life can begin in the family, with the early experiences of learning the Golden Rule and it is how family life is impacted by technology that we should be minding. Currently, we have a deterioration in family life that we must reverse. Families would do well to have media-free zones and times at home to allow for development of spirituality. Make balanced media plans based on each child's age to promote family

An E-Reader for Kids

Posted March 8, 2010

Link to Original Article This appears to be a promising application for kids. The positive place of technology in the lives of families and children can be indeed powerful. However, while the potential for good is enormous, in fact, so far, studies are showing that family life is actually weakening and some children's development harmed by unsupervised or excessive use of media, and things are getting worse. Too many parents are gee-whizzing the wonders of technology, reacting to children’s demands and adopting every new gizmo that comes along, or feeling inadequate or overwhelmed and unable to provide the right balance

Appreciating the Family Side of Technology

Posted March 6, 2010

Link to Original Article 3.6.10 You are right to emphasize the potential value of technology in family life. The positive place of technology in the lives of families and children can be indeed powerful. However, while the potential for good is enormous, in fact, so far, studies are showing that family life is actually weakening and some children's development harmed by unsupervised or excessive use of media, and things are getting worse. Too many parents are gee-whizzing the wonders of technology, reacting to children’s demands and adopting every new gizmo that comes along, or feeling inadequate or overwhelmed and unable to

Finding The Spirituality In New Media

Posted February 25, 2010

Link to Original Article 2.25.10 Are we all actually swirling topsy-turvy in a new media frenzied universe, or do we just think we are? I don't know the answer, or am even sure about what this question ultimately means. But I do know that we are still people with bodies, minds, and souls. We come in as babies and go out as oldsters and live a life in between that is hard and wonderful and that we try to make sense of. We need each other and our families. We have no great answers to the great riddles, but are steadily

Taming the Tech-Wild Child

Posted February 16, 2010

Link to Original Article 2.16.2010 "Younger and younger children are now in charge of how they consume media, and they are mostly consuming junk,” explains child psychiatrist, Dr. Eitan Schwarz, MD. "Excessive consumption can cause emotional difficulties, as well as result from existing ones. Children need the thoughtful, active and positive guidance of their parents in this amazing Wild-West tech environment. Merely restricting access is just not enough.” Kids and Tech - Tips for Parents: · Take Charge - Have confidence and take charge. Youcan manage this important area of your kids' lives. Many parents too readily take a back seat

The Huffington Post: The Empathic Web and The Family Education Network: How to Teach Empathy

Posted February 12, 2010

2.8.10 Neuroscience is beginning to teach us about how complex functions like empathy actually work. Our brains are pre-wired to connect us with others. We have special neurons - mirror neurons -- that can react to what we sense others may be doing or feeling. How this process develops is then determined by our early relationships, and how this information is processed is what makes us more human than other primates. Empathy is an inborn human ability that can be shaped further by life experiences in which family life is crucial. Take the Golden Rule, and see how complicated it is to actually

Technology at the Margins — Social Innovators and Innovations

Posted February 12, 2010

Link to Original Article 2.12.10 Closer to home, now over a decade since Information and Communication Technology has permeated our homes big-time, junk media consumption by technology-soaked children has parents, pollsters, and others wringing their hands. And for good reason - according to the recent Kaiser family Foundation survey, 1/5 of kids spend 132 hours/week on media. Their grades are down and they are not happy. So what is anyone doing about this? Too little, I am afraid. We need entrepreneurial innovation here desperately and leadership from industry. I was hoping that Microsoft Tabletop Computer https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Surface was a beginning towards

Children & Brand Awareness: They’re Never Too Young to Say “GeekDad”

Posted February 6, 2010

2.6.10 Cradle-to-grave marketing started with Disney, still king in this space. “And the merchandisers know what they are doing. Marketing is now an applied science that encompasses sociology, psychology, and anthropology. And the youth market is a multi-billion dollar industry, working its way to younger and younger consumers directly, through parents, and even through school curricula, making parents teaching kids to become wise consumers increasingly necessary. In Buy, Buy Baby (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007, ISBN 10:0-618-46351-8, pp 193-206) Susan Gregory Thomas describes the inroads marketers have made into the daycare industry.” (from chapter 11 of my

PBS Frontline — Digital Nation: ROUNDTABLE With Correspondent Douglas Rushkoff

Posted February 3, 2010

Link to Original Article 2.3.2010 As a child psychiatrist and author interested in this area, I found the program and general increase in awareness spawned by the Kaiser Family Foundation report important wake up calls. Certainly, we are undergoing major changes within turbulent technology / human / kid / family intersection. I am optimistic -- we have an opportunity for people to appreciate that we have in our hands powerful tools and a chance to ask "How can we think, plan, raise families, and turn this opportunity into something

IACC Unanimously Approves 2010 Strategic Plan for Autism Research

Posted February 1, 2010

Link to Original Article 2.1.2010 Given that cutting-edge neuroscience research is showing how wonderfully sensitive Baby’s developing social- and related brain functions are to caregiver attachment behaviors and attunement; and given that there has been an explosive increase in recent years in intrusive mobile media use — like cell-phoning, and now, texting; has anyone seriously investigated how such increased unintentional media-induced caregiver distractibility could possibly be one contributor to the tragic current rise in autism and related disorders? Even if not contributory, don’t we need to know more about the impact of interactive media on young families’

Buy an Apple iPad for Your Child?

Posted January 31, 2010

1.31.10 I personally love good technology and will probably get an iPad or something like it for myself. But before bringing a new gadget home, every parent must think through its impact on the kids and family life. Kids left to themselves consume media as they do junk food. The more the media, the poorer the grades and the lesser imaginative play and family interactions. According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 1/5 of those ages eight to eighteen now get as much as nineteen hours of media daily but report more unhappiness. I am also concerned that parent distraction by media

APPLE TABLET: The New York Times, The Huffington Post, News Blaze, Slate

Posted January 27, 2010

The New York Times 1.27.2010 APPLE TABLET: Does America's Youth Need Yet Another Great Tech Device? 1/5 of kids 8-18 spend up to 19 hrs/d (including texting and multitasking) total media time. Media use is associated with poorer grades and family life and less reading and imaginative play. When parents set limits for 1/3 of youngsters, media consumption drops by only 1/3, showing that restriction is just not enough. Technology is great -- we need to use it in positive, proactive family-centered applications. But in the 10+ years of media explosion into the lives of younger and younger children, there has

Oprah: Texting While Driving Is ‘Absolutely Stupid’

Posted January 26, 2010

Link to Original Article 1.26.2010 Texting and using cell phone while driving cause so many traffic accidents that they are now banned in many places. And who even heard of texting five years ago? This is yet another example of how we are playing catch-up to the explosive changes wrought by technology in our lives. But the impact of technology on our kids and families has been just as explosive and can be just as destructive as traffic accidents, and also requires severe measures. And is playing catch-up a good idea? A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll shows that older children are

Ten for ’10: New Gadgets for Home and Away

Posted January 7, 2010

Link to Original Article 1.7.10 A big 'Wow!' I never cease to feel amazed by the awesome flood of beauty, talent, and innovation that these devices represent. We are blessed to live in our free and peaceful (not perfect, though, by any means) country and be able to participate in a resilient and powerful economic system that nurtures inventiveness and talent. We are doing lots right here in a way no other people ever have in all of history. Having said that, I also never forget the findings of modern neuroscience: These technologies are created by our wonderful human minds, and are

CES 2010: The Circus Begins (And Gadgets Galore!)

Posted January 7, 2010

Link to Original Article 1.7.10 I love gadgets and usually meet them with a big ‘Wow! We are blessed to live in our free and peaceful (not perfect, though, by any means) country and be able to participate in a resilient and powerful economic system that nurtures inventiveness and talent. These technologies are created by our wonderful human minds, and are but secondary to the primary purpose for which our brains evolved – to make the enormously complex calculations required to live together and know each other in so many ways as social creatures. So -- paradoxically, in a long term

It’s Not too Late to Set Intentions for 2010

Posted January 7, 2010

Link to Original Article 1.10.10 Here's a NEW YEAR'S resolution for parents: I will take charge of my kids' digital media activities to make them into safe assets for development and family life. I want to keep their minds and brains 'green'. This will take an ongoing commitment, just like dieting or working on a

The Huffington Post: Kids and Media: Joined at the Hip and The Wall Street Journal: A Safer Way to Text on the Road and MIT Review: Ban Texting While Parenting

Posted January 7, 2010

The Huffington Post: Kids and Media: Joined at the Hip The Wall Street Journal: A Safer Way to Text on the Road 1.24.2010 Texting and using cell phone while driving cause so many traffic accidents that they are now banned in many places. And who even heard of texting five years ago? This is yet another example of how we are reacting to the explosive changes wrought by technology in our lives. But the impact of technology on our kids and families has been just as explosive and can be just as destructive as traffic accidents, and also requires severe measures.

Daring to Live Your Life Offline

Posted December 30, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.30.09 Media consumption: Does it have to be all or nothing? Can we find ways to fit tech tools into our lives sensibly and selectively in ways that actually work for us? In other words, does it have to be feast or famine? Why not figure out sensible diets that allow us (and teach our kids) to consume media rather than having media consume us? Are there experts we can ask about the best ways to adapt our own media diets? The benefits in so many ways are enormous. But the dazzling growth of accessible digital media

An Apple tablet will give developers a bigger sandbox. But how many will jump in?

Posted December 30, 2009

12.30.09 Buy an Apple iPad for Your Child? I personally love good technology and will probably get an iPad or something like it for myself. But before bringing a new gadget home, every parent must think through its impact on the kids and family life. Kids left to themselves consume media as they do junk food. The more the media, the poorer the grades and the lesser imaginative play and family interactions. According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 1/5 of those ages eight to eighteen now get as much as nineteen hours of media daily but report more unhappiness.

7 Tips To Release Your Stress In Minutes

Posted December 29, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.29.09 From a neuroscience POV, our brains are really wired to get the most mileage from social contact, and not necessarily from these types of activities. While these might work, so much stress relief advice these days is too self-centered, empty, and self-indulgent and over-concerned with diet, body, and self-centered thinking. What happened to touching base with a friend or relative -- 'I was just thinking of you and want to say hi' -- or showing a kindness to -- or a smiling at, or laughing with -- an acquaintance or

Here’s What I’d Like To Hear More of In 2010

Posted December 28, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.28.09 A great idea! Too many of us are uneasy - and kids 'bored' - and restless when the noise stops. The clutter of modern life -- especially the noise and unfocussed energy that digital media bring into our homes, cars, and into our hands -- are not necessarily good for our families and growing children. Connection is not friendship. Being present alone within one' s self or together with family members are moments of intimacy too rare in our current life. Here's a NEW YEAR'S resolution for parents: I will take charge of my kids' digital

Tips for Controlling Your Teen’s Facebook Usage

Posted December 28, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.28.09 Adolescence is a period of experimentation often given to such excesses, usually harmless when transient and just require watching and waiting, or gentle nudges from parents. Over-reaction from parents can make things worse when they turn into power struggles. People of all ages -- including youngsters -- who pull the plug themselves on overuse of any digital media (including video games, social media, Internet, porn, etc.) are way ahead of those who either do not do so or cannot see the need to, or who insist that their excessive use is not a problem. Excesses

KIDS, PARENTS, and TECHNOLOGY: New Blog Spot

Posted December 26, 2009

Link to Original Post 12.26.09 We are so dazzled by digital gadgets (and they truly are amazing!) that we forget to consider seriously how these ultimately impact our children and family lives -- and ultimately the picture is not at all pretty. Kids are awash in digital media and gadgets, and most are unsupervised and consume mostly junk. Parents feel helpless because they do not know -- except for restricting and filtering -- how to guide media-saturated kids' into healthy media consumption. Technology has brought lots of good stuff that can go into a healthy media diet that will actually enhance family

The 15 Most Influential Games of the Decade

Posted December 26, 2009

12.26.09 A thoughtful inventory to remind us that digital games can indeed be both esthetic, successful, and even pro-social, challenging all the hoopla that they are always toxic to children. Parents should join kids in playing these wonderful games. Here's a NEW YEAR'S resolution for parents: I will take charge of my kids' digital media activities to make them into safe assets for development and family life. I want to keep their minds and brains 'green'. This will take an ongoing commitment, just like dieting or working on a

The Best iPhone Apps for Kids

Posted December 26, 2009

12.26.09 Here's a NEW YEAR'S resolution for parents: I will take charge of my kids' digital media activities to make them into safe assets for development and family life. I want to keep their minds and brains 'green.' This will take an ongoing commitment, just like dieting or working on a marriage. Over the past decade of working with kids and families, I have seen how interactive digital technologies have invaded homes helter-skelter and have become lightening rods for conflict, while the potential benefits have received almost no attention. In my practice, I see more and more vacant kids and families surprisingly

Neato Robotic Vacuum to Take Over Household Cleaning

Posted December 26, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.26.09 Another great application of technology in the home, and one that kids can easily appreciate and learn from. Explain to them how it works, and segway into other topics about using technology in their lives per my KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG

Family Focus – Is TV Bad for Babies?

Posted December 26, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.26.09 Keeping baby's brain green must be our first priority, since it is such a complex environment with sensitive - but highly resilient -- ecologies. Managing media from early life is an important commitment -- and parents go need guidance. This will take an ongoing commitment, just like dieting or working on a

Home Digital Media: Assets or Liabilities for Children and Family Life?

Posted December 25, 2009

From Addicting Games Takes on the Teen Market 12.25.09 Over the past decade of working with kids and families, I have seen how interactive digital technologies have invaded homes helter-skelter and have become lightening rods for conflict, while the potential benefits have received almost no attention. In my practice, I see more and more vacant kids and families surprisingly empty and superficial. Connectivity has exploded. It is not the same as friendship nor intimacy. In fact, connectivity seems to trivialize intimacy and friendship, except for girls of at certain ages, where it may be developmentally helpful (although certainly not necessary.) Effects

Gadgets to Bring Holiday Cheer to Little Travelers

Posted December 24, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.24.09 We are so dazzled by digital gadgets (and they truly are amazing!) that we forget to consider seriously how these ultimately impact our children and family lives -- and ultimately the picture is not at all pretty. Kids are awash in digital media and gadgets, and most are unsupervised and consume mostly junk. Parents feel helpless because they do not know -- except for restricting and filtering -- how to guide media-saturated kids’ into healthy media consumption. Technology has brought lots of good stuff that can go into a healthy media diet that will actually enhance family

The Power of Magical Thinking: Research Shows the Importance of Imagination in Children’s Cognitive Development

Posted December 23, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.23.09 A wonderful article that demonstrates how clever nature is in designing our children's minds and brains. Let's keep these precious ecologies 'green' and protect them by putting kids on media diets that enhance family life and development. See my KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES where I discuss this subject

The Future of Social Media with Gerd Leonhard

Posted December 23, 2009

12.23.09 We must take charge of how media affect our lives rather than merely reacting to the wonderful innovations that come to market and embrace the benefits they bring. This is especially true in raising children and teaching them to live in a technology-rich

The Greatest Gift We Can Give

Posted December 23, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.23.09 A parent's greatest gift is the devotion to his children and actions that demonstrate this commitment. Currently, our kids are flooded with media and are soaked to the bone with technology. Let us give them nutritious media diets to nourish them and keep them from junk media. Make a New Year's resolution to do just that for your family. In KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES I show

Robovie-II Grocery Shopping Robot Helping Out This Holiday Season and Neato Robotic Vacuum to Take Over Household Cleaning

Posted December 23, 2009

12.23.09 Another great example of technology application in the home. Teach your kids about how it works. Use it as a segway to discuss how they use technology per my KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG

Disembodied Androids and Robotic chair fine art

Posted December 23, 2009

12.23.09 What a great concept as a teaching toy for kids 5 and up to learn about robotics -- the concept of breaking as destruction and application of technology to repair and build -WOW. This definitely an important part of a media

Nexi: The MDS Sociable Robot

Posted December 23, 2009

12.23.09 A wonderful teaching toy. But watch out! DO NOT MAKE INTO A TOY FOR KIDS YOUNGER THAN 6 AND DEFINITELY DO NOT PUT ANY SUCH INTELLIGENT TOY INTO A BABY'S

Mom Calls 911 Over Son’s Video Game Obsession

Posted December 22, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.22.09 In my own clinical work, I have found that kids who overuse digital media can have good psychological reasons. These kids often attempt to cope and master difficult episodes and feelings. As a long-term therapist and author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I have seen how kids often overdo video games when upset instead of engaging in more destructive or disruptive behaviors. Obviously, the news story of the mother calling 911 gives us no clue as to what is really going on in this family. And the problem may not be

Cultivating Compassion: Meditation For Better Relationships

Posted December 22, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.22.09 A wonderful essay. Relationships are what we are about and what our brains are designed to manage and experience -- the 'I' And the 'Thou' are THE central organizers of being human and can often get lost in the clatter of our digital world. My KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES is all about this preserving this crucial element in our homes as we raise our

The Power Of Not Knowing

Posted December 22, 2009

Link to Original Post 12.22.09 A good set of points. Here is something else to consider here: Since we are essentially social beings and our brains primarily designed to assure our survival together, how we exchange information or knowledge and how each of us assesses others are deeply rooted in our social experience. We learn and learn how to learn from each other from the very beginning of our lives. As an expert in media and children and author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I believe that the digital age can bring both a false sense

Yes, Santa Claus, There is a Virginia

Posted December 22, 2009

Link to Original Post 12.22.09 "Thank you for reminding Santa Claus that there is still a Virginia swimming somewhere out there in the flood of media and consumerism. As a long-time therapist, physician, and author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I believe that parents must pull their media-soaked kids out of the torrent and teach them how to swim and navigate, or even stay dry in their own boat! (I apologize for mixing metaphors

Be the Change

Posted December 22, 2009

Link to Original Post 12.22.09 A wonderful poem -- something to treasure and read to families at dinner! And families should have at least one meal together daily. As the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES and a long-time therapist and physician, I have tried to assist parents instill in their children such pro-social

Is this a Spiritual Crossroads?

Posted December 22, 2009

Link to Original Post 12.22.09 We know that that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can last long into the future and cause subtle and not-so-subtle changes in how people see things and feel about themselves and others. The long tail of PTSD or its variants can last long into the future and, I believe, irreversibly affect communities and cultures as well as individuals, although not nearly as well studies or understood. I am pretty sure that much of our national experience as Americans is still colored by our 9/11 trauma as we search for a context for its meaning and its

Just Listen – Overcoming Holiday Shyness

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 Shyness can ruin an otherwise nice holiday (and other life) experiences. One thing that modern neuroscience has shown us is how important human relationships are to setting the tone of our brains for the good and bad. A great way to manage your shyness is to nourish others, and not merely resort to micromanaging your own body and mind. Give, love, and be grateful. As an expert on kids and families in my office and the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I try to provide a working general approach to

Stress Much this Season?

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 A good list. One thing that modern neuroscience has shown us is how important human relationships are to setting the tone of our brains for the good and bad. A great way to manage your own stress is to nourish others, and not merely resort to micromanaging your own body and mind. As an expert on kids and families in my office and the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I try to provide a working general approach to this topic. Giving and loving and feeling grateful are wonderful ways to relieve

Facebook Fueling Divorce: STUDY

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 Clearly, digital technology is reaching ever deeper into our lives. Especially when it comes to its place in family life -- and here is one example -- there is randomness and chaos in how we manage it. The larger context of the place of digital media in our lives, especially as they intersect with our values and how we shape our culture and civilization is a topic of endless fascination and reactivity. But there is really no meaningful conversation in popular culture about a systematic and comprehensive approach to this vital space. As an expert

Real-time Web, Unreal-time Life

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 Good thoughts. One other aspect that I emphasize in my book KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES is how we raise kids in this media-rich world. As an expert on kids and families in my office and the author of I emphasize the importance of raising kids from very early to benefit from digital media as good managers of how information impacts their

With the Rise of Social Media, No Privacy for Tiger Woods

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 Good in-depth discussion. Thanks! The larger context of the place of digital media in our lives, especially as they intersect with our values and how we shape our culture and civilization is a topic of constant, but random and chaotic discussion. Values education seems to be getting almost no discussion. I wish there were more discussion within a specific space KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES that addresses how we raise kids in this media-rich world. As an expert on kids and families in my office and the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A

We’re Being Bad: Are Mom And Dad To Blame?

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 Values seem to be lost in the frenzied torrent of digital information and social noise flooding us. It is at home that we must all put things in proper perspective and learn decency, kindness, and compassion as we raise our kids. As and expert on kids and families in my office and the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I emphasize the importance of community and

To Give And To Receive: The When And The Why

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 This is great advice. We can strive to become more developed as people. In well-developed people, social relationships are the means to happiness. That is how our brains are made. As and expert on kids and families in my office and the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I emphasize the importance of relationships, community and collaboration in raising kids. Values education seems to be lost in the torrent of digital information and social noise flooding them. It is at home that they must put things in proper

Inner Activism: Three Tricks For A Happier New Year

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 This is great advice, but it needs to be put in a general perspective. So, please let me add that obsession with our own spirituality if it does not extend into living a life with others and a lifestyle revolving around micromanaging our own bodies and minds as a means 'to be happy' can often merely reflect an inability to form and keep relationships and truly be nourished by them. In well-developed people, social relationships are the means to happiness. That is how our brains are made. As and expert on kids and families in

Food For A Good Mood

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 This is great advice, but it needs to be put in a general perspective. So, please let me add that obsession with and a lifestyle revolving around micromanaging our own bodies as a means 'to be happy' can often merely reflect an inability to form and keep relationships and truly be nourished by them. In well-developed people, social relationships are the means to happiness. That is how our brains are made. As and expert on kids and families in my office and the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I emphasize

Washington’s Snow and the Lack of Community Spirit

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 Values education seems to be lost in the torrent of digital information and social noise flooding us. As and expert on kids and families in my office and the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I emphasize the importance of community and collaboration in raising kids. It is at home that they must put things in proper

Would You Rather Be Loving Or Loved?

Posted December 21, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.21.09 As and expert on kids and families in my office and the author of KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, I emphasize the importance of teaching by example giving and loving in raising kids. “I am worthwhile and a valuable person myself. I have something beautiful and precious to give you. What I have to give is special because I am special.” Even when this message is not fully appreciated, the act of making it is

If Your Kids Are Awake, They’re Probably Online

Posted December 20, 2009

12.20.09 Kids need nutritious, balanced media "diets" for healthy growth and development. -Good families make for better brains. -Used appropriately, media can provide vital growth opportunities for children and enhance family relationships. -Parents are the essential ingredient in their children's media

New Year’s Resolutions And Time

Posted December 17, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.17.09 A great set of resolutions should be less self-centered and also include doing good in this world. hp blogger James M. Lynch replied on Dec 17, 2009 at 22:27:02 "Eitan, Thanks for adding this. I think the best return on investment is the time spent 'doing good' in this world. If everyone decided to add even one day of service a month, what would this year look like?

CONVERSATION WITH GOOGLE’S SERGEI BRIN

Posted December 16, 2009

12.16.09 Kids, Parents, & Technology - a new space Google is pushing the envelope brilliantly with every development, and is bringing amazing ideas and apps to the public. As a doctor who is exploring the space created by the intersection of technology, neuroscience, child development, and family life, I would love to see Google join me and meld its superb resources and innovativeness with pro-social projects that support child development and family life in a systematic and comprehensive

KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY

Posted December 16, 2009

Link to Original Post 12.16.09 The space at the intersection of kids, families, neuroscience and technology is underdeveloped and rife for corporate entrepreneurship. Although commercial possibilities will no doubt develop quickly and can be crass and exploitive, I would like to posit that pro-social, family- and child-centered approaches to this space can also be monetized and compete in popular culture. As a psychiatrist with 70,000+ hours 'flying time' learning about kids and families and a researcher I would like to start an intelligent conversation with techy types about the possibilities, which I explore in my book KIDS, PARENTS AND TECHNOLOGY:

Digital Dieting

Posted December 15, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.15.09 Dieting is right on. Unfortunately, a diet is not merely about restriction but mainly about healthy nutrition - balance and quality. Children especially need media diets because otherwise they consume junk. The space formed in the intersection of neuroscience, kids, parent, and technology needs a sensible and comprehensive approach - see my new book... blogger lfabs replied on Dec 15, 2009 at 15:05:02 "Good

Online Communities: The Kindness of Strangers

Posted December 14, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.14.09 Emphasizing positive benefits of media is important in raising kids in a technology-rich world. Parents need to join kids in exploring this wonderful world, but must really be in charge and assure kids get good media diets and not be let alone to consume junk. Values education is an important part of a healthy media diet, and positive involvement in online communities a pro-social

Video Games And Children — What’s The Right Amount?

Posted December 9, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.9.09 Parents can now create a diet with daily menus that tap into the power of digital technology to help family life and child development. In moderation and as entertainment, video games can be opportunities for development of social relationships and visuomotor skills. Some have great graphics and music and are actually modern art forms. But video games should be only the dessert component of a healthy media diet for kids, which parents can now design and implement. Commented Dec 09, 2009 at 05:45:13 in Living "Actually, digital parents raising digital kids may know lots about technology but

The Dangers Of Multitasking And How To Stop

Posted December 7, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.7.09 Interacting with digital gadgets can be highly seductive and absorbing because such devices offer so many great opportunities for so many simultaneous activities. For many, especially youngsters, executive decisions about what to do first and what to defer, what can have priority and what cannot, are difficult to make on the run with the stream of information flowing so powerfully into our lives. To some, a frenzy of multitasking and texting can be a wonderful alternative to dealing with more difficult things like relationships or other serious matters. For others, they offer the illusion of

The Growing Backlash Against Over-Parenting

Posted December 7, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.7.09 'Helicopter parenting' is actually a form of neglect because it is often be driven by a parent's own personal anxiety or insecurity and serves the parent's needs without regard to appropriateness and the child's own developmental needs. Unfortunately, there are too many so-called childhood experts who fuel parent insecurity by publishing intrusive self-help and early education agendas. Over-parenting can actually become abuse in its extreme form as Munchausen's Syndrome, where a parent seeking attention for her/himself presents a well child to doctors as ill and forces unnecessary and sometime risky diagnostic and treatment

Focusing on Education From the Get-Go

Posted December 7, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.7.09 While a continuing political commitment to early childhood education is crucial, the way to make the best people has to start with the family. The brain best evolves from the get go in the context of sound relationships, tying cognitive development to how the child is loved, protected, and stimulated-- the earlier the more so. It makes sense that the protection of and heavy support to families also has to become a more prominent feature of the early education debate. As lifelong child advocate and specialist in children and families, I am sad to report

Chalk and Cheese Chronicles

Posted December 6, 2009

12.6.09 Inspiring devoted teachers -- I can count mine on one hand after, let's see, 20 years of formal education -- are as rare as hen's teeth. These diamonds in the rough deserve our nurturing, protecting, and taking care of -- they give more to our kids than we can ever

Top Teacher Gift Ideas to Show Appreciation

Posted December 5, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.5.09 FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS! Dr. S’ message is both urgent and timely: “We are now in the second decade of the Web, and the good news is that many uses of interactive media can actually advance kids and bring families together. But the bad news is that the present mix of kids, families and technology is not working well. The alarming news is that while families are more easily adopting new technology, online families with kids are becoming more likely to drift apart. More than ever, we need healthy ways to bring kids, families, and technology

Preschoolers Watch Too Much TV — Leads to Obesity

Posted December 5, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.5.09 These are good points. Actually, recently studies show that the obesity epidemic, especially in kids, is not really only from eating in front of a screen. What they do NOT do is the culprit -- kids are just not engaged in moving, standing, walking, playing and doing -- the stuff of an active life. Like food diets, merely restricting is really insufficient -- a sensible plan must include building in supervised alternative uses. When it comes to the power of media in our homes, many of us are still too awed by these magical devices and

Finding the Courage to Be Grateful

Posted December 4, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.4.09 What wonderful ideas. I often urge my patients, whom I hold close to my heart, both young and old, that gratitude is wonderful medicine. It is hard to be grateful and at the same time feel victimized, unengaged, hopeless. Being grateful for the people in our lives is a special blessing. Counting your blessings is a great way to

Christmas Gifts 2009: 15 BEST Gadgets to Give (And Get) (PHOTOS)

Posted December 4, 2009

Link to Original Article 12.4.09 Our technical inventiveness, free markets, and openness to diversity and innovation make the US an incredible spawning ground for amazing discoveries. As enchanted as we are with this beautiful stuff, let us not forget that these are ultimately the products of our human brains. Our technical inventiveness, free markets, and openness to diversity and innovation make the US an incredible spawning ground for amazing discoveries. As enchanted as we are with this beautiful stuff, let us not forget that these are ultimately the products of our human brains. Obvious? Well - enter neuroscience as it has

Obesity Will Soon Cost U.S. $344 Billion a Year

Posted November 28, 2009

11.28.09 The problem requires approaches on many fronts... Whether in food or media consumption, consumer behavior is closely managed by industry merchandisers. These are powerful and necessary engines of our economy. However, like the tobacco industry, governments acting for the common good should have a role in regulation and mounting public health campaigns akin to the anti-smoking, drunk driving, gambling, ada, drug abuse, breast cancer awareness, etc. that have made important differences. I believe that government control should be limited. The argument that obesity is a result of illnesses or addictions is not trivial, and should be considered seriously. But consumers who choose

Technology, Properly Used, Can Be Embraced and Its Power Channeled, Not Be Feared

Posted November 24, 2009

11.24.09 We have a long way to go, especially in our own homes: Negative thinking has limited our approach to mostly monitoring, filtering and restricting. If we begin thinking positively and asking, how can we make the best use of these technologies?, we can start learning and guiding our kids towards the great potential of these tools to do good. The time has come to raise our kids from the very beginning on good media diets that are part of healthy family life and give a foundation for continued healthy interactions with technology -- no matter how it keeps changing -- in

DIGITAL MEDIA CAN BE DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN KIDS’ HANDS

Posted November 23, 2009

Link to Original Article 11.23.09 In the wrong hands, they can be loaded guns. This recent redhead- bashing episode, again demonstrates how out-of -control kids can injure and become injured when they have powerful media in their hands and parents stay unaware. Kids need media diets created by parents to truly reap the wonderful benefits of digital technology, stop this type of bullying, and move away from consuming and producing digital junk. In some ways, these digital gadgets are more powerful appliances than the family

Red Headed Boy Attacked: Police Probe Tie To ‘Kick A Ginger Day’ Message

Posted November 23, 2009

11.23.09 KIDS PLAYING WITH DIGITAL MEDIA CAN DO REAL HARM: This is another sad episode that illustrates the power of digital media to be a loaded gun. Parents should be more in charge and make media-saturated kids stop consuming and creating harmful media junk. Parents should guide kids in the proper and beneficial uses of

Jack Jia The Visionary

Posted October 29, 2009

Link to Original Article 10.29.09 To: Sramana Mitra Re: Your article I enjoyed your piece about the visionary Jack Jia from the perspective of a doctor/scientist/thinker (not a businessman, alas) who daily practices "IT engineering" on the ground with real people in their everyday lives -- not in the lab. IMHO, we need this paradigm shift. Thank you for an excellent intro to an excellent thinker and doer -- I admire his skillful journey and layered growth through engineering, IT, and business towards neuroscience and behavior -- blended with great focus and energy and a highly developed understanding of people. Not accidentally, he

MEGA DISNEY FINALLY NOW DOING RIGHT THING!

Posted October 25, 2009

Link to Original Article 10.25.09 The Disney refund story is incredible positive news in the world of children, parents, and media/technology, etc. It has huge implications for child development and family life and the evolving relationships of kids and families with media companies in popular culture. It is a BIG BIG story! I applaud those who fought so hard and even Disney. I hope asap to interest people like JJ to partner with me in this vision and its practical launch into popular culture and the marketplace, or at least start a conversation that would benefit us

Disney to Give Back Money Parents Spent on Baby Einstein Videos

Posted October 25, 2009

Link to Original Article 10.25.09 MEGA DISNEY FINALLY NOW DOING RIGHT THING! The Disney refund story is incredible positive news in the world of children, parents, and media/technology, etc. It has huge implications for child development and family life and the evolving relationships of kids and families with media companies in popular culture. It is a BIG BIG story! I am a child psychiatrist and expert in this field and in the process of publishing a book -- KIDS, PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES -- ETA 1 month or so -- I applaud those who fought so hard and even

Internet Addiction: A Clinical Disorder?

Posted October 12, 2009

11.12.09 New tools, be they iron knives, printing presses, cotton gins, telephones, atomic power, TV, or the currently explosive IT explosion have both predictable and unpredictable, helpful or destructive effects. But they do change things dramatically. E-mail, so-called internet 'addiction', etc. are small but important aspects of our responses a much greater set of forces that are upon us. IMH, it is too soon to know where we will end up as the decades and centuries unfold. This is just a beginning that we are groping through. But I do believe that we should do our best to walk into the future

How to Make Online Gaming and Entertainment Safe for Our Kids

Posted May 15, 2009

Link to Original Article 5.15.09 A great idea! Too many of us are uneasy - and kids 'bored' - and restless when the noise stops. The clutter of modern life -- especially the noise and unfocussed energy that digital media bring into our homes, cars, and into our hands -- are not necessarily good for our families and growing children. Connection is not friendship. Being present alone within one's self or together with family members are moments of intimacy too rare in our current life. Here's a NEW YEAR'S resolution for parents: I will take charge of my kids' digital media

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