Growing Up Digital: Media Research Symposium

Abstract

Technologic innovation is a dynamic, disruptive force that has transformed the role of media in the lives of children and adolescents from the limited silos of television, movies, and books to the expansive and ubiquitous universe of digital media. Children and teens are “digital natives,” drawn online from infancy to engage in an ever-changing digital ecosystem that is enhanced by mobile media. For the first time in our history, user-friendly and easily accessible screen media are committing our youth to a broad social learning and behavioral experiment. For over 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has studied the impact of various media on children and teens, and used evidence-based research data to advocate for media education to promote healthy and positive media use. The Academy’s recommendations include basic parameters such as co-viewing television (TV) programming by parents and children, eliminating electronic screens from bedrooms to optimize sleep hygiene, considering daily screen time limits, discouraging screen use in children under age two, and informing and educating families about media rating systems. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7