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Screen Deep

Children and Screens

Screen Deep takes aim at decoding young brains and behavior in a digital world. 
Host Kris Perry dives deep with a leading expert in each episode to explore how children and adolescents are affected mentally, physically, and developmentally by digital media use, bringing research and evidence-based perspectives to the essential questions on how to help children thrive today.

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  • 23 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 47 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • S1 · E19
    Aug 27, 2025 · 40 min

    Early Childhood Mental Health and Screen Use with Joan Luby, MD

    Many people think of mental health disorders as arising later in childhood or adolescence. However, there is increasing evidence that even young children can experience mental health problems like anxiety and depression. On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by Joan Luby, a Professor of Child Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine and an expert in early childhood mental health. Dr. Luby discusses how to identify mental health problems in preschool-aged children, and the role of screens in exacerbating these issues. Drawing on her clinical experiences and research, she provides suggestions for parents on how to promote the best socio-emotional outcomes for their young children. In this episode, you will learn: How improved diagnostics tools are helping to identify psychiatric and mood disorders in children as young as three years old. What unique signs and symptoms to look for in young children that may indicate they are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other concerns. Why considering environmental factors is important when evaluating child mental health. How high amounts of screen use by young children can impact their mental health and social/emotional regulation. The five essential ingredients young children need to thrive. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram: @childrenandscreens LinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X: @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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  • S1 · E18
    Aug 6, 2025 · 49 min

    Children's Rights in Digital Safety and Design with Sonia Livingstone

    From parent and school restrictions on smartphone use to the design of the latest AI tools, what does it mean to center children’s own perspectives and rights in ensuring safety in their online worlds? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry sits down with Sonia Livingstone, Professor at the London School of Economics and leader of the Digital Futures for Children centre and the Five Rights Foundation, to explore the intersection of children’s rights, parental mediation, and public policy in the digital world. Drawing on her research and policy work, Dr. Livingstone describes how parents can best help mitigate online risks, and how policies should help protect children from harmful online content and mechanisms while reinforcing their rights to privacy and autonomy. Dr. Livingstone emphasizes the importance of talking to children to learn how they feel about various technologies and incorporating their insightful perspectives into both household rules and macro-level policy. In this episode, you will learn: What children themselves say about the kinds of support they need from parents and communities. Research results on the most effective parenting strategies for keeping children safe online How income, access, and background shape online safety risks. How the new AI Design Code could help developers prioritize children’s safety in in design. Why addressing harmful algorithms through regulation of online platforms is key to increasing child online safety. What the latest research says about the effectiveness of school phone bans and their impact on learning and child well-being. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram: @childrenandscreens LinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X: @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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  • S1 · E17
    Jul 16, 2025 · 55 min

    Reading and Writing Skills in the Age of AI with Naomi Baron, PhD

    How are screen-based reading and writing, along with the growing use of generative AI by youth, shaping children’s development of foundational literacy skills? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry explores these nuanced questions with Dr. Naomi Baron, Professor Emerita of Linguistics at American University and a leading expert on reading and writing with technology. Dr. Baron outlines how reading and writing look differently on screens versus print, and what students think about the benefits and drawbacks of using each. She then dives into the research on generative AI and how tools like ChatGPT may be altering the reading, writing, and critical thinking process of young learners. In this episode, you will learn: How the development of reading and writing skills interact with cognitive and social skills and identity development. What research says about comprehension from reading print versus digital formats – and how that differs from our personal perceptions. Why engaging e-books may distract children from becoming strong, focused readers. What recent studies show about differences in brain activity when writing by hand, typing, or using AI like ChatGPT for writing – and why it matters for learning. Positive ways to use AI with children to spark creativity and boost critical thinking. For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org) -------------- Follow Children and Screens on: Facebook: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development Instagram: @childrenandscreens LinkedIn: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development X: @childrenscreens Bluesky: @childrenandscreens.bsky.social --------------- Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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Showing 21–23 of 23 episodes