Concerned with effects of screen time on children and finding balance? Check out Jeane Twenge's recent book iGen. Key findings for today's teens based on this detailed research study:
- Increased screen time correlates with precipitous declines in in-person social activities and overall happiness.
- Depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness have skyrocketed since 2007 and correlate with smartphone and social media use.
- College entrance test scores on focus-related skills such as reading comprehension, writing, and math have declined since 2007 and correlate with increased smartphone use.
Twenge focuses on teens, but any educator or parent can connect the dots and see that healthy habits and balance are built in early childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics
Books Build Connections Toolkit and
Recommendations for Children's Media Use underscore the importance of reading aloud as critical to a child's development and well-being. Below are some suggested titles for the holiday season. Happy reading!
- Kathy Balch, BookTree Founder
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